Rick Laird

Richard Quentin Laird (February 5, 1941 – July 4, 2021) was an Irish musician, best known as the bassist and a founding member of the jazz fusion band Mahavishnu Orchestra, with which he performed from 1971 to 1973.

Early life Laird was born in Dublin on 5 February 1941 to a musical family. His mother played the piano in a variety of styles and his father played the ukulele; Laird started playing both instruments when he was three. He gained confidence to take up the instrument after seeing The Tony Williams Lifetime in concert. Guitar Player described Laird's playing: "Laird's solid, economical lines in conjunction with Billy Cobham's meticulous, powerful drumming provided a strong anchor for the odd-tempo and often volatile solos [from the rest of the band]".

Later career Laird retired as a performing musician in 1982.

Death In early 2021, Laird's daughter announced that he had entered hospice care. Laird died of lung cancer in New City, Rockland County, New York on 4 July 2021, aged 80.

Discography As leader Soft Focus (Timeless Muse, 1979)

As sideman With Horacee Arnold Tales of the Exonerated Flea (Columbia, 1974)

With Richie Cole New York Afternoon (Muse, 1977) Alto Madness with Eddie Jefferson (Muse, 1978) Keeper of the Flame (Muse, 1979)

With Eddie Daniels Brief Encounter (Muse, 1977)

With Stan Getz Mort d'un Pourri (Melba, 1977) - Soundtrack

With Benny Golson Three Little Words (Jazz House, 1997)

With Eddie Jefferson Still on the Planet (Muse, 1976) The Live-Liest (Muse, 1979)

With Vic Juris Roadsong (Muse, 1978)

With Rahsaan Roland Kirk Gifts & Messages (Mercury, 1964) Live in London (Harkit, 2004)

With Eric Kloss Battle of the Saxes with Richie Cole (Muse, 1976)

With Prince Lasha Insight (CBS, 1966)

With Yusef Lateef Live at Ronnie Scott's 15 Jan 1966 (Gearbox Records, 2017)

With The Mahavishnu Orchestra The Inner Mounting Flame (Columbia, 1971) Birds of Fire (Columbia, 1973) Between Nothingness & Eternity (Columbia, 1973) The Best of Mahavishnu Orchestra (Columbia, 1980) The Lost Trident Sessions (Columbia, 1999) Unreleased Tracks from Between Nothingness & Eternity (Columbia, 2011) The Complete Columbia Albums Collection (Columbia, 2011)

With Czesław Niemen Mourner's Rhapsody (Import Records, 1976)

With Gerry Niewood Gerry Niewood and Timepiece (A&M/Horizon, 1977)

With Anita O'Day Ao vivo no 150 Night Club (Estúdio Eldorado, 1984)

With Buddy Rich Keep the Customer Satisfied (Pacific Jazz, 1970)

With Sonny Rollins Live in London (Harkit, 2004) Live in London, Vol. 2 (Harkit, 2005) Live in London, Vol. 3 (Harkit, 2006)

With Annie Ross You and Me Baby (Decca, 1971)

With Clive Stevens & Friends Atmospheres (Capitol, 1974)

With Stan Tracey Laughin' & Scratchin (Jazz House, 1966)With Treasure'''Treasure (Epic, 1977)

Instructional books Laird, Rick. (1978) Jazz Riffs for Bass Laird, Rick. (1980) Improvising Jazz Bass'' (Music Sales Corp)