THE owner of Eastleigh’s Concorde Club has paid tribute to jazz great Sir John Dankworth, who has died at the age of 82.

The legendary musician, who was musical director to the likes of Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, was a popular draw at the Stoneham club’s Wednesday International Jazz Nights.

In 2007 Sir John and his equally famous jazz singer wife, Dame Cleo Laine appeared at the Concorde to mark the club’s 50th anniversary.

It was the first time that the couple had appeared together at the club which was recently voted the best jazz venue in British history.

The audience were not disappointed as Dame Cleo and Sir John produced an outstanding performance and were given a standing ovation as Sir John exclaimed: “This is the best club on the planet.”

Last night club owner Cole Mathieson said of the jazz legend: “What I’m hoping will come across about him was what a wonderful man he was. He was very pleasant and humorous and not in any way big headed – just a great character.

“I always looked forward to meeting and chatting with him and he will be sorely missed at the club.”

Sir John, who was the mainstay of the British jazz scene for more than 60 years, was part of the Dankworth dynasty of jazz musicans. His son Alec is a bassist and composer and his daughter Jacqui is also a top jazz singer and both have appeared at The Concorde.