b. James Douglas, 13 May 1942, Gifford, East Lothian, Scotland. Playing banjo and guitar Douglas became an important figure on the traditional jazz scene in his homeland, notably as a member of the Clyde Valley Stompers. From the mid-60s he was a mainstay of the Alex Welsh band until its dissolution in 1982, touring the UK and overseas and appearing on 1971’s In Concert. Subsequently, Douglas played in other traditional bands but throughout his career has been at ease backing mainstream musicians. On banjo he provides an urgent thrust to the bands in which he plays, but it as a subtly inventive guitarist that he has made a valuable contribution to British jazz.