HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a much-loved Inverclyde music man who inspired people to put their heart and soul into their playing and live by the beat of their own drum. 

AdLib Music founder and Capitol Big Band stalwart Joe Baldi has sadly passed away at the age of 81. 

Joe was playing his beloved drums in the band right up until the end when he tragically took ill during a performance. 

The family man has been described by people all over Inverclyde as 'kind', 'thoughtful' and 'a gentleman' and was said to have 'music in his bones'. 

Capitol Big Band members Heather Whiteford, Jim Downie, and Jennifer Donnelly shared their memories of Joe with the Telegraph and said he has left a lasting impact on Inverclyde. 

Singer Heather said: "The whole jazz community is completely devastated. 

"He was such a well-loved character, and a well-respected musician and person. 

"He went out with a bang doing what he loved."

Musician Jennifer Donnelly played trombone alongside Joe in the band for 22 years and said he was 'always so supportive'. 

She said: "He loved to see people getting into music and would always encourage them to never give up. 

"He was so generous and loving, and truly was so passionate about music."

(Image: Family of Joe Baldi)
(Image: Family of Joe Baldi)
Guitarist Jim Downie, who worked alongside Joe in AdLib, added: "So many people have benefitted from Joe and his involvement on the music scene."

Joe was loved greatly by his wife Margaret, his daughters Angela, Emma and Serena, his sons-in-law Nick, Murray and Alan, and grandchildren Meg, Lucy, Beth, Thom, Noelle, and Mabel. 

He was a loving uncle to family in Scotland, Canada, Australia, and Italy, and visited his birthplace, the city of La Spezia, many times over the years. 

Joe's parents Maddalena and Amadeo moved to Greenock in 1924, and set up a home and a business in Belville Street. 

When war started in 1939, Amadeo was sent to a prisoner of war camp on the Isle of Man and a two years later, the couple's Greenock shop was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz. 

(Image: Family of Joe Baldi)
After Amadeo's release, the family moved back to Italy where Joe was born in 1943 but returned to Greenock soon afterwards to set up a shop in the Glenbrae area. 

Joe used to work behind the counter in the family's fish and chip shop but his love of music took him to the bright lights of London at just 17, where he played guitar with Van Morrison.

When Joe's dad Amadeo sadly passed away in 1966, Joe came home to help his mum and brother Aldo run the shop. 

Soon after his return, he met the love of his life, Margaret, and the couple married in 1969. 

Joe ran The Kopper Kettle in Clyde Square with Aldo before the brothers opened AdLib Music in the early 1980s. 

(Image: Family of Joe Baldi)
(Image: Newsquest)
The store was a very popular and important part of Inverclyde right up until it closed in 2018. 

Jennifer said Joe had the knack of being able to order in exactly what customers wanted, and was always very encouraging to young musicians. 

She added: "There was nothing he couldn't get for you in the shop, now matter how obscure it was. 

"I bought my first ever music books from him and I lost count of the number of music stands I bought from him.

"He was always there to help and give advice, and was always so supportive and encouraging.

"He would greet everyone with a smile."

Jim added: "He was a great support to me. 

"I bought my first guitar from the store when it was in Roxburgh Street and he put up with me missing payments. 

"He must have done that for hundreds of people and was always so encouraging."

Joe joined Capitol Big Band in 1976, first as a guitarist before he took on the role of drummer.

(Image: Family of Joe Baldi)
His bandmates told the Telegraph his legacy as an amazing musician will live on forever. 

Heather got to know Joe through her dad, trumpeter Roy Whiteford, and she first performed with Joe in a band called Keplar. 

She said: "Joe was such a quiet and gentle soul but when he lifted the guitar he became wild!

"When he was playing a solo he would go mad.

"He was such a swinging drummer and would always give it everything he had."

Jim added: "He was always first there at big band gigs and last out."

Jennifer said: "The rhythm section is what drives the band and he had so much passion for it. 

"He played on every song.

"We're all going to miss him very much."