Ted Heath (1900 - 1969) was a British dance band leader who was hugely popular there throughout the 1950's.
He'd performed with other bands going back to the 1920's, and formed his own in 1944.
Listening to his music from this period with American ears, I'm always struck by his approach to swing and jazz - -
A combination of innovative and playful licks, combined with that British dance band sense of... what is it? Reserve? Decorum?
No, that's not fair or exactly accurate...
... I guess I'll just have to call it a 'Trans-Atlantic Otherness' for now and leave it at that.
- - But that sound works well for me, make no mistake.
Both of these sides were recorded in London on
November 29, 1954.
Session line-up: :
Trumpet - Bobby Pratt,
Duncan Campbell, Eddie Blair, Bert Ezzard
Trombone - Wally Smith,
Don Lusher, Jimmy Coombes,
Ric Kennedy
Alto Sax - Roy Willox, Les Gilbert
Clarinet - Henry McKenzie
Tenor Sax - Danny Moss
Baritone Sax - George Hunter
Piano - Frank Horrox
Bass - Johnny Hawksworth
Drums - Ronnie Verrell
Listen to:
Ted Heath and his Music -
Stomp And Whistle
(London Records 78, 1954)
(click for audio)
Listen to:
Ted Heath and his Music -
Bernie's Tune
(London Records 78, 1954)
(click for audio)
... I guess I'll just have to call it a 'Trans-Atlantic Otherness' for now and leave it at that.
