Collection: Ian Carr

Born 21 April 1933 in Dumfries, Scotland, Ian Carr grew up in South Shields and County Durham. He began an English Literature degree at Newcastle University in 1952, playing trumpet in modern jazz bands during his time there. His professional career began in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, joining his brother Mike's modern jazz group, the EmCee Five, which ran successfully from the late 1950s to early 1960s. From 1964 to 1969, he co-led the Don Rendell/Ian Carr Quintet, which also featured pianist Michael Garrick and released five albums on EMI Columbia's Lansdowne Series, regarded as one of the most influential and original modern British jazz groups. In October 1969, Carr formed the jazz-rock group Nucleus.

Nucleus released 12 albums between 1970 and 1980. He wrote a regular column for BBC Music Magazine and in 1987 was appointed associate professor at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Carr died 25 February 2009 aged 75 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.