He recorded with the likes of music legends Eric Burdon, Joan Armatrading and was lead guitarist on a number one hit single for Jim Diamond.

And now touching tributes have been paid to a well-known musician from Lowestoft who has been hailed as an "inspiration."

Friends have paid respects to influential musician and tutor Colin Pincott, who has died aged 77.

Eastern Daily Press: Colin Pincott, pictured with a guitar in 2020. Picture: The Pincott familyColin Pincott, pictured with a guitar in 2020. Picture: The Pincott family (Image: The Pincott family)

Described by those who knew him as "One of the most accomplished and respected guitarists to come out of Lowestoft", Mr Pincott was also "an influential teacher for more than a generation of guitarists around the UK".

Being 6ft 6in tall, Mr Pincott was "an imposing figure both physically and musically" who was known for his sophisticated and emotional playing that encompassed jazz, country, rock, pop and blues.

Born in Lowestoft in 1947, Mr Pincott grew up on the Gunton estate, with his parents, William and Ethel, and twin brother Roger.

While he was still a teenager, Mr Pincott moved to London and quickly became established on the flourishing 1960s music scene - earning the respect and friendship of musicians like Alexis Korner, Phil Seaman, John McLaughlin, Graham Bond, Zoot Money and he even had a short jam with Jimi Hendrix.

Eastern Daily Press: Jimi Hendrix.Jimi Hendrix.

As a session player alongside names like Big Jim Sullivan and John Paul Jones, the extent of Mr Pincott's studio work led to hundreds of sessions - covering everything from pop and rock records to big band and advert jingles - in recording studios like Central Sound, Pye and EMI Studios on Abbey Road.

Eastern Daily Press: Colin Pincott in the late 1980s. Picture: Neil WatsonColin Pincott in the late 1980s. Picture: Neil Watson (Image: Neil Watson)

Described as always being "in great demand as a session player" his work included recording with Eric Burdon, Joan Armatrading and on Glaswegian singer-songwriter Jim Diamond’s number one single in 1984, 'I Should Have Known Better'.

Eastern Daily Press: Joan ArmatradingJoan Armatrading

During the early 1970s, Mr Pincott worked at the Fender Sound House alongside guitar legend Seymour Duncan, and went on to become the trusted UK demonstrator for Fender guitars.

Over the years Mr Pincott is understood to have performed locally with bands including The Nashville Five, The Blue Beats, Aesop's Fables, Rollercoaster and 80s hard rock band Mammoth among others.

'Inspiration'

When Mr Pincott remarried in the late 1980s, he moved back to Lowestoft where it was as "an exceptional guitar tutor" that he would leave a lasting impression on a generation of musicians.

Lowestoft guitarist Stephen Mynott said: "He made a huge mark on musician’s lives – always encouraging and inspiring students with kindness and humour.

"He was loved by people.

"There was something magnetic about him and his guitar playing - not just the technical ability, but the deep soul of it.

"I’ve seen him bring an audience to hushed silence - he had that effect."

Another long-standing student and friend, Jon Buck, summed up the feelings of many, as he said: "I first met him aged 12 and he has remained my tutor, my mentor and my inspiration ever since.

"He's the reason I play guitar, the reason I started teaching guitar, the reason I’ll always be a student of the guitar."

Mr Pincott recently lived in Ipswich, with his partner Ami Baillis, still playing, teaching and composing for guitar.

He died on Tuesday, May, 7 and is survived by his partner Ami and brother Roger.

Mr Mynott said: "In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral, but there will be a public celebration of his life in the near future."