Search - Humphrey Lyttelton :: Rarities

Bandleader, trumpet player, cartoonist, writer, calligrapher and broadcaster. Such were the talents of humphrey lyttelton, who excelled in just about everything he chose to turn his hand to. The grand old man of british jazz, who spearheaded the postwar trad-jazz revival before renouncing the movement in favor of more contemporary vision, lyttelton was a bandleader for 60 years and one of britain's most talented jazz musicians. He is also fondly remembered as the deadpan chairman of the longrunning radio series 'i'm sorry i haven't a clue' which he chaired from 1972 right up until the time of his death in april 2008. This collection of 67 tracks, containing nearly 3« hours of the finest traditonal jazz, covers the period from lyttelton's first parlophone session in 1949 through to december 1958 - a nine year slice showing the evolution of the band during its most prolific period of record making, and at the peak of its popularity. The recordings feature lyttelton as bandleader, cornet and trumpet player and the personnel listings read like a 'who's who' of first-rate british jazz musicians at the time. This new 3cd is a selection of undercompiled gems from lyttelton's hugely prolific recorded output, many of which are previously unreleased on vinyl or cd. All have been expertly restored and digitally remastered from original 78s and vinyl records. Booklet contains sleeve notes and full personnel listing. The set was produced in association with the lyttelton estate and band, which still performs.