PAUL
VERNON CHESTER
Manouche Maestro
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Manouche Maestro |
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Leslie Baker - Jazz Violinist - Bandleader 1910~1996
Leslie Baker Orchestra - Bridlington
Television Residencies West End Engagements It was in the dark days of 1940 that the BBC instituted 'Music While You Work', following a Government suggestion that morale in industry would be improved if there were daily broadcasts of cheerful music piped into the factories. The theory (which turned out to be right) was that improved morale would lead to better production. The concept was for two half hour programmes each day, one at 10.30am and the other in mid-afternoon. A different band, orchestra or ensemble would play each day and it was felt that the best programmes were those which made workers feel inclined to whistle or sing along with the music. Because the music would have to compete with factory noises, and be heard through tannoys, the BBC insisted on a fairly constant sound level, plenty of familiar tunes, nothing too slow and nothing very fast. BBC JAZZ CLUB was founded as a weekly radio programme by info@britishguitaracademy.com, one of few jazz enthusiasts within the Corporation in the late Forties. It succeeded Radio Rhythm Club as the main outlet for live jazz on the air, purporting to reflect the new wave of Jazz Clubs which were just beginning to replace Rhythm, Swing and Hot Clubs across Britain. Ironically, the programme in its early days was much more like an old-style Rhythm Club, presenting features on historic American bands with London professional musicians playing the role of the jazz giants
There is little glamour in the life of a provincial guitar player,” said Jack Toogood. When I asked him for some details of his career. There is little acclaim, too, he might have added. His name has been well known in and around Bristol since the war playing “gigs,” the occasional broadcast from the Western Region station and, of course, pupils. Then in February 1959 “Guitar Club” went to Bristol and the name of Jack Toogood was heard all over the Country. His playing so impressed the Producer John Kingdom that he was given a second broadcast in the programme from London and, later, several guest spots in the Monday late-night “Stringalong” programmes. These broadcasts led to Jack’s association with violinist Leslie Baker (Right) and the formation of the “Swingtette” (based on the Hot Club of France Quintet) which was featured for thirteen weeks in the “Stringalong” series. Audio/Leslie Baker & Jack Toogood (Aint She Sweet).mp3 I remember Leslie Baker very well as I too play the violin and as a teenager in the early 1960s I entered one of his talent competitions held in the Floral Pavilion, Bridlington. I was fortunate enough to win and after Leslie announced the result to the audience (always full of fun!) he said to me - "I wonder, if you're not doing anything special next Saturday night - (pause, during which I relished the prospect of a job!) - would you mind lending me your fiddle?" He only played at Bridlington two or three years and was then replaced by Edwin Harper. However, he very kindly sent me a Christmas card and invited me to come and see him play in Southport. A few years later I heard a sad story to the effect that he had become a recluse, never played and had wrapped his violin case round and round with Sellotape. Whether or not it is true I have no idea, but I never heard of him again. Leslie was a fine fiddler and even to this day, whenever I play "These Foolish Things" (Fred Hartley arrangement) I incorporate a jazzy bit of extemporisation that I picked up on when he played the number at Bridlington. Very interesting website, Robin Johnson (Sheffield) Audio/Leslie Baker & Jack Toogood (Ma he's making eyes at me).mp3 Hi, this is so strange; Violinist Leslie Baker was my Dad
the story about him becoming a recluse is simply not true. Dad retired just
before I was born in 1969 to Clacton on Sea in Essex. He never played
professionally again except for a private party at the Imperial Restaurant at
the end of the road where he played for one night only. He did used to get out
the violin and serenade mum from the bottom of the stairs but that was just him
messing about. He had a great sense of humour and often talked about the good
old days. His violin looked quite battered and was held together
with sellotape that bit is true. Sadly dad passed away on 28th December
1996 aged 86. I have lots of photos, and memorabilia as well as some old real to
real tapes of his broadcasts. I was thinking of starting a web site but have not
had time yet. I will scan some pictures and email them soon. Sincerely - Hello, Violinist Leslie Baker was my Mother's cousin and although I never met him, I remember listening to him on the BBC 'Music While You Work' - he also did Cabaret and played at Quaglino's Restaurant in Soho. - Ron Adams Audio/Leslie Baker (Written for Alison the song Bouncy Dec 1960.mp3 |
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