(By Chris Bailey)
Following a previous announcement about 18 months ago I am instructed to offer for disposal the extensive arrangement ‘pad’, sheet music archive and tuition-volume collection of the late Derek Bridge. I must apologise to those who previously showed interest in this collection by responding. Derek’s wife Wendy, at that time, felt that there was more material stored at their home and it was whilst waiting to retrieve this that the subsequent unfortunate delay occurred.
Derek was born in London and attended Ealing College of Art. This, whilst also attending lessons with the legendary Charles Chapman, the same saxophone teacher as Barbara Thompson - result Derek went on to work and tour extensively with Adam Faith’s band. He then subsequently performed in various ‘palais big bands’ of the day -In particular The ‘Denis Langfield Band’. Whilst playing with these various orchestras, he came to blow alongside such notable musicians as drummer/keyboard player Garry Husband and the great tenor sax player, Red Price.
Derek’s calligraphy was second to none and he secured a job writing arrangements and parts for the famous ‘Pop Plan’ music publishers based in Leeds.
After marrying Wendy, Derek made his way north via Brighton, East Anglia and Leeds, -eventually settling in Yarm. By this time he had become a very successful teacher joining both the prestigious Teesside High School and Yarm School teaching-staff, whilst holding lessons for young and adult private pupils.
He, in particular, loved ‘improv’ jazz-gigging, and once established on Teesside, became the leader of the Middlesbrough Big Band. He also formed several excellent combos for the dance and function circuit.
He was a superb jazz clarinetist and saxophonist, arranger and educator who was always cheerful, encouraging and with a wonderful sense of humour. He was one of life's real gentleman who was held in high regard by both his fellow musicians and his past pupils, many of whom would keep in regular contact with him.
The archive consists of dozens of folders containing arrangements and parts across a wide genre of performance music and musician-combinations. There is also a very extensive selection of books/ scores/ instructive publications covering all manner of music which are in ‘new’ condition.
Wendy, would dearly like this complete archive to go on to serve other musicians in some form. She fully realises that in the days of ‘on-line’ availability in terms of sheet-music its value is depleted -but would be delighted to receive a realistic offer by which she could make a donation to musical charities of her choice.
It is available to view in Yarm by telephoning 01642-653286. In the event of no answer -please leave a message and I will get back to you.
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