[Dixielandjazz] The UK band on visiting musicians

[Brian Harvey]

At the time of the ban the Musicians Union General Secretary was I believe
Hardie Ratcliffe said (perhaps erroneously) to be a far left wing member of
the Communist Party. He was certainly totally against the participation in
British music of any musician from outside the UK and probably the most
hated man in the British jazz music world..
But he was eventually won round to the view that overseas bands could play
in the UK on an exchange system that other members have already detailed.
One aspect of this that that has not been mentioned is that of bands like
that of Woody Herman who toured with an Anglo-American band.
This was achieved by Woody bringing with him section leaders. A British band
was then assembled led by his men and when he was satisfied with the sound
they toured - to my mind with great success. I attended the rehearsals and
it was a great pleasure and privilege to witness Woody in intimate action.
And - a benefit to the UK jazz fraternity was that men like saxists Don
Rendell and Ronnie Ross got to be members of a Herman "Herd".
One wonders if the wonderful Lincoln Centre Orchestra of today would have
the benefit of the membership of a star British saxman in the form of Joe
Temperley had it not been for the apprenticeship that others served with
Woody all those years ago?
Brian Harvey

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