11 November 2007
Famous Jazz Musician
Mr.Frank Dubier, a resident of Manapakkam, Chennai-116 has played an important and active role in keeping the jazz music alive in Chennai city. Speaking to Chennai Plus reporter, Mr.Frank Dubier told that jazz is his first love.
Mr.Frank Dubier was born in Madras in the year 1929. His father, Anthony Dubier was a goldsmith. His mother Beatrice was a very good violinist and a pianist. Frank was interested in music from a young age. He started to play the drums when he was seven. Frank Dubiers talent in music got around and he soon became a well-known jazz musician.
Dubier played with the governor’s band from 1945 to 1947. After India got independence, Frank Dubier went to Bombay where he served in the navy for four years. Frank became a musician in the navy band. In the year 1951, Dubier returned to Madras and joined the Gymkhana Club’s band. Frank Dubier moved to Calcutta in 1957. During his stay at Calcutta, he played with jazz bands in some of Calcutta’s top restaurants such as Mogambo’s and the grand hotel. In 1961, Frank Dubier moved to Delhi. During his stay at Delhi, he got to meet jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Cat Anderson, Rolf Erickson and Buddy Rich.
In the late Sixties, Dubier moved to Bangalore for a brief period, before returning back to his native Madras. Back in Madras, Frank Dubier played for a year at the Savera Hotel, before getting into the film music, in the year 1971. Dubier rapidly made a name for himself as one of the leading and famous trumpet player. Frank Dubier told Chennai Plus reporter that he played the trumpet, saxophone and tenor saxophone in almost all Ilayaraja’s film. “Ilayaraja is one of the mot talented musicians,” he further added.
Frank Dubier concentrated exclusively on the film industry form 1971 to 1981. He later formed the Frank Dubier big band. Frank moved around a lot in India and abroad. Dubier has led bands, worked and played with India’s jazz greats such as Pam Crain, Louis banks and braz gonsales. During his sojoums abroad, he made a great name for himself on the jazz circuits in countries such as Australia, UK and the USA.
Frank Dubier till today has played a major active roll in keeping the jazz music alive in Chennai city. Mr.Frank Dubier, the famous jazz musician of Madras resides at Plot No-63, Marvel River View County, Mariamman Koil Street, Manapakkam, Chennai-116. He can be contacted on 9382308487