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.
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