Drummer Thomas McNaughton has died at the age of 72.
DRUMMERS, particularly those with a penchant for jazz, generally are incorrigible showmen, virtually since the music was invented, and Thomas "Toto" McNaughton was no way an exception.
Toto, who died last Wednesday aged 72, was indisputably one of
true characters on the Edinburgh scene over 40 years.
Invariably he was fun to be around but he was not only a funster.
With a drum kit in front of him, he exhibited a rare talent and versatility.
No other musician in the Capital knew him longer, or closer, than veteran blues singer Tam White.
"I was singing at the Palais ballroom when I first got to know Toto," he said. "We had the big idea of forming a band of our own and to that end we hired the Westfield Hall, near Tynecastle, for ten bob a night, but nothing came of it.
"He got his big break playing in the Crusaders, led by Tam Paton of the Rollers, who were resident at the Palais.
"Local promoter Brian Waldman 'stole' him when he formed the Boston Dexters, a band so successful that he got them a contract with EMI Records and they worked around London for nearly two years.
"Toto was rarely out of work. He'll be fondly remembered for lengthy residencies in Harry's Bar in Randolph Place, the White Cockade in Rose Street, Merriman's Cellar in Hanover Street and a very long stint with Charlie McNair's band in Preservation Hall, Forrest Road.
"He encouraged up-and-coming musicians. Some would come from Glasgow from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra for the gigs he'd offer with his band."
White added: "Toto's multi-talents – he was a good singer and he possessed nimble dancing feet – took him into football where, despite his lack of inches, he was a capable goalkeeper. He was still playing at 45, keeping goal for a fire brigade team. He had a trial with Falkirk."
Born in Leith in May 1936, he went to school virtually round the corner at Bonnington Road primary and David Kilpatrick's secondary.
He was in his teens when he joined the Royal Scots. His four years in the Army took him to Suez.
On demob, he married Agnes Duffy in 1958 and his first job was in the North British Rubber mill.
Said daughter Valerie: "Dad seemed to be born with a natural sense of rhythm. He'd always be tapping on something – the kitchen table, the doors, biscuit tins and to prevent him from almost wrecking the house they bought him a drum kit.
"As my sister Lisa and brother Kevin would testify, it was great fun growing up with dad. Some of the tricks he'd get up to, it might be said he never fully grew up himself. Much of it was every-line-a-laugh."
Toto's big weakness was tobacco. He was rarely without a cigarette and he had a riotous repertoire of tricks with them. Seven years ago, however, he quit smoking but, as Valerie explained, it was too late.
"Tobacco had done so much damage and his health deteriorated badly these last two years, otherwise he'd have gone on playing drums forever, the life and soul of the party."
The full article contains 550 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
