The roll call of British jazz musicians whose careers were launched by an apprenticeship in NYJO - the National Youth Jazz Orchestra - is endless and still growing.
However, without the vision of its founder Bill Ashton who, in 1965, led the band from the front until his retirement in 2009 it would have been a totally different story and many a young jazz musician wouldn't have gained the knowledge and the experience to make them what they are today.
Bill Ashton's achievements were recognised in 2010 when he was awarded with a well-deserved OBE. Truly a legend. He was 88 year-old may he REST IN PEACE.
Lance
Ps: There's a beautiful tribute by Simon Spillett on his F/book page.
1 comment :
I just saw a picture of Bill Ashton pop up on MSN. I knew the face, the name rang a bell and I read to see why. Over 50 years ago he and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra played at my wedding. Not a posh do; just little old me and new hubby celebrating in a church hall. Obviously, it's a busy night partying with over a hundred guests and I wish I could go back and hear that music again. I don't think most appreciated who we had playing (been put in contact by someone at the church hall) and I know at one point we thought, and probably said, it was a trifle loud for the size of the church hall. Bows head in shame ... Hubby and I are still together!
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