The 1960s was most certainly a golden age for British modern jazz. It was as if, having learnt the ‘how-to’ of jazz from America, British musicians began to find ways of making it their own. Not that the music created by African-Americans was forgotten or its continuing potentialities neglected. More that it became possible to allow other influences to come through – from pop, rock, folk and even European art music. Musicians emerged – Mike Westbrook, John Surman, Graham Collier, Michael Garrick, Keith Tippett, Kenny Wheeler and many more – whose achievements and reputations still hold sway here and across Europe, if still largely ignored in North America.

‘This guy’s done this really weird music for Gavin’s film. If you’re coming to the diploma show.’ Alfie, introduced us and John said, ‘Come to the Little Theatre Club – I’m starting a club and we’re going to need musicians.’ So, I was welcomed there.”

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