Career
Born in Maybole, Ayrshire, McQuater was most notable for his work in the United Kingdom with Bert Ambrose in the 1930s, and also for some recordings done with George Chisholm and Benny Carter. McQuater showed musical talent from an early age. McQuater turned professional in his teens and got a regular position with Louis Freeman"s Band, which played at Greens Playhouse in Glasgow.
In 1934, aged 20, McQuater was offered a job with one of London"s most renowned bands: the Jack Payne Orchestra, which played in London and Paris.
The following year he joined Lew Stone"s band and made the classic recording of "Pardon Maine, Pretty Baby". In the 1940s, McQuater joined The Squadronaires, and worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation Showband in 1945.
McQuater often performed with John McLevy in the 1970s and 1980s. In his later years McQuater concentrated his energy and playing around the Ealing Jazz Festival.
