Member of Stan Kenton’s famed ‘Mellophonium Band,’ the trumpet section of his touring band circa 1960-62.
Lamotte’s group recorded a self-titled album at a live performance at Old Court Jr. High School.
From liner notes: “During the latter part of 1970, I received the idea of forming a big band playing the new odd meter rock. In January of 1971, we held our first rehearsal. At our third rehearsal we were privileged to have with us writer-arranger Hank Levy. His appearance helped boost the morale of the group tremendously. Hank let us use his “A New Kind of Country” as our opening number. This is in the 7/4 meter. Our first concert was at Old Court Jr. High School. We lead into “A New Kind of Country” with a “Free Design.” Herb Clinton solos on the tenor sax and Ray Marjchak on the flute. Our next selection is “Jump for Jenny,” a bouncing number featuring Ray Disney (trumpet), Herb Clinton (sax) and Brett Gold (trombone). They play with a soft moving, melodic line. The television theme “Hawaii Five-O” always intrigued me. When I received this chart, I Wanted it to “Sell” and I think we achieved this goal. Note the tympani in the introduction. Our Swing number from the big band era is “Chu Chu Cha Cha.” This shows our versatility as a young group. “Mod Squad” is one of our difficult charts because it emphasizes togetherness. In a few spots, we fail attain this. The drum solo is by Larry Morgan. Tom Campbell, French horn, comes through good and solid in “A New Generation.” All bands have a comedian and ours has Ken Jackson, trombonist. Sit back and listen to his impersonation of an MG sports car squealing wheels and shifting gears. Richard McDonnell has been with me for five years and enjoys trying out my crazy ideas. While I play trumpet, Rich conducts “The Funky Turtle.” This song always reminds me of a little, red-haired girl licking a lollipop while thinking about her theme song. David Evans, bass guitar, hooked up his echoplex and presented some electronic sounds as an introduction to our final song, “Uptight.” The first trumpet solo is myself with Herb Clinton, sax, echoing me. Herb is the most sensitive soloist I’ve known because he does not run scales or scream but plays the way he feels. Ken Jackson comes back on his trombone, followed with a good flute ride by Ray Marjchak. This leads into Dave Evans bass fifths and is followed by Don Drobisz on the trumpet. In the short time I’ve known Don, I have learned to “dig” his style. The school bell is Old Court’s contribution to the concert and Don’s solo. Our percussion section winds up the solos” Personnel: Conductor and trumpet: Keith Lamotte. Trumpet: Ray Disney, Don Drobisz, Chipp Harris. Trombone: Ken Jackson, Brett Gold, Mark Schulz. Saxophone: Ray Marjchak (alto, flute), Gary Bragg (alto), Herb Clinton, Rusty Smith (tenor), Ray Sydnor (tenor, baritone). French horn: Tom Campbell. Piano: Randy Glass. Bass guitar: David Evans. Drums: Larry Morgan, Mark Evans. Vibes and Percussion: Richard McDonnell.
Sydnor later with Delegates, Hammer, April Sky, Both Worlds… Jackson later with Beginnings, April Sky…
