cl, ts, sax, GB
Musician of Jazz and Pop
British jazz clarinet and saxophone player. Mainly active in the 1930s and 40s, McDevitt went on to work as a studio musician through to the 1970s career steps: 1934:Worked for Louis Freeman in Scotland (and on liner California), then did summer season with Slim Grossman in Bournemouth 1935:Worked with Billy Mason, then again with Louis Freeman's Orchestra in Glasgow until joining Teddy Joyce in June 1935. 1936: Left Carl Tauber to join Ambrose briefly in spring. Later with Sydney Kyte and Gerry Moore. 1937: Worked with Benny Carter in London 1938: With Roy Fox, then joined Dennis Van Thal's Orchestra (summer) and later with Oscar Grasso's Band. 1939:joined Geraldo (January), also did regular radio work with Phil Watts (1938-9). With Jack Nathan's Quintet (late 1939). 1940: Joined RAF and became founder-member of the Squadronaires. Also guested with various bands during the early 1940s, including work with Lew Stone, Johnny Claes. Remained with the Squadronaires through World War II, and stayed until early 1952. Then became highly successful freelance musician, often with the BBC Variety Orchestra. Studio work through the 1960s and 1970s, regularly with the BBC Radio Orchestra. Continued to play freelance gigs including taking part in Dave Hancock's Big Band during the 1970s.