Duncan Lamont and The Young Person's Guide to the Jazz Orchestra

The death of Duncan Lamont brought to mind a radio broadcast he made for the BBC  entitled The Young Person's Guide to the Jazz Orchestra. This was some years ago but I was immediately hooked and managed to record it to cassette. Listened to it a few times then, as one does, gradually forgot about it and it's unfortunate that it took his death to remind me of it. In fact, there were three iconic figures involved...

Henry Purcell (1659-1695) who composed the original theme.

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) who adapted it for his work The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

Duncan Lamont (1931-2019) who inserted the word 'Jazz' into Britten's title.

Upon hearing of Duncan Lamont's death my immediate thought was to dig out the tape, play it, and see if it really was as good as I remembered.

Needless to say, I couldn't find it - did I accidentally record over it? Did it

become unplayable as old cassettes so frequently do? Maybe it's hidden at the back of a cupboard - who knows?

Fortunately, all was not lost thanks to good old YouTube. All 7 parts can be heard on the links below and yes, it was as good as I remembered!

Part 1: The Introduction.

Part 2: The Saxophones.

Part 3: The Trombones.

Part 4: The Reed Section.

Part 5: The Rhythm Section.

Part 6: The Trumpets.

Part 7: The Finale.

Duncan Lamont website with more info inc. personnel.

London Jazz News pays tribute. 

Sadly missed

Lance.