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Clem’s passion for jazz started in the late ’40s and he particularly loved the playing of New Orleans trumpeter Bunk Johnson.
In the early 50s, his first regular job was on piano with The Louisiana Jazz Band who were resident at The Conservative Club in Blaydon, Co. Durham.
In 1954, Clem by this time playing trumpet formed “The Clem Avery Jazzmen”.
He managed to get a residency at The Alexandra, in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. which along with The New Orleans Club and The Royal Arcade, became a top local jazz venue and by the late 50s Clem’s band regularly played at all of these venues.
After a career break in the RAF he reformed his band and continued to build quite a reputation and following, right up to the mid 60s.

During the mid 60s into 70s Clem was mostly playing trumpet and bass in a show-band earning a living in club-land. At home he also played in trombonist Reg Wall’s New Orleans Ragtime Band resident on Teeside.
By the early 90s Clem was playing double (string) bass at Blaydon Jazz Club with the Roly Veitch Quatet.
Then in 1998 came a wonderful renaissance in the form of Rae Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band, this was the perfect platform for Clem’s style of trumpet playing and he had ten wonderful years with the band.
When musicians play they give a little of themselves and for over 50 years Clem has given a great deal of himself to a great many people.
Dave Rae.