Ken Colyer

How much influence did Ken Colyer have on the jazz scene? Trumpeter, jazz lecturer and founder member of the George Webb Dixielanders Owen Bryce had this to say on an LP sleeve note in the 1960s: "When it is all over, and the definitive history of jazz comes to be written, I prophesy that only four jazzmen will find a place of consequence in the British section: George Webb (who gave it its start), Humphrey Lyttelton (who gave it respectability), Chris Barber (who gave it popularity)...and Ken Colyer, who, almost single-handed changed its whole course and brought the word 'dedicated' into the cliché repertoire of every jazz critic in the country."

My brother Bob in Canada knew Ken and had this to say:

"It was quite an honor to have Ken come with our Climax Jazz Band twice to New Orleans. In 1974 and 75 he joined us for club sessions in Toronto and trips to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
I had, like so many young aspiring trumpet players , been inspired by Ken and when we finally met and played night after night together I learned a lot from him."

This clip is a short interview Ken had with George Melly in 1980

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Trad
• jazz

[spannerworks1]

Hi

George Webb has just died aged 92 on the 10th March 2010.

Regards

Richard

[Rumlestiltskin]

1. I just twigged that you are hans' brother?

2. Sorry for the repetition of this video but I just added one with the rest of the story - including Chris Barber's views.

I'm still a fan of you both! Al

[COLYERFAN]

This is from a TV programme from twenty years ago - an hour long and worth having. I recorded it from air ten years ago. i.e. 'Whatever Happened To Bill Brunskill'. I hear that Bill died a few years back but I was lucky to see him and his band at Cottingham.

[ChrisAlbertson]

I also knew them both. In fact, I was there, in London in 1953 when Ken came back from New Orleans and they rehearsed his Jazz Men band. When they played their first gigs, in Denmark, I was also there--with my B&O recorder (The Tempo and Storyville sides. I don't recall a rift, but I guess that came later

[boberwig]

Hi Pirate,

I knew Ken, he was a very principled and outspoken fellow, but had a golden heart. I think they went their own way for the better. You know the results.

[pirate259]

I Believe That There Were Harsh Words Between Ken Colyer & Chris Barber Regarding What Was So Called Traditional Jazz!