R.I.P. Tito Burns

Rather belatedly I have learned of the death of jazz accordionist Tito Burns, one of the UK's first jazz/bebop accordionists, who died on August 23 aged 89.

Tito Burns frequently won that quaint Melody Maker Poll category Miscellaneous Instruments.

I feel a particular affinity to Burns as the very first side recorded by his Sextet in 1949 was Bebop Spoken Here! The Tito Burns Sextet based its style on the Charlie Ventura Bop For The People band with vocals by Terry Devon, later to become his wife, Britain's first, and some would say best, modern jazz vocalist. Other tracks included Sloppy Joe and Lullaby in Rhythm.

He later became a successful agent in the pop and rock field.

Terry Devon is still with us - if she reads this our thoughts are with you.

Obituary.

Lance.