Sad to report the death at the age of 85 of on of the most successful and well-liked figures to emerge from the trad revival of the fifties and sixties, clarinettist and bandleader Acker (born Bernard) Bilk. His performing career spanned nearly 60 years. He was awarded an MBE in 2001, an Honorary MA by the University of Bristol in 2005, a Parliamentary Jazz Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2012. He played his last gig at the 2013 Brecon Jazz Festival, where the picture below was taken. He announced his retirement in June this year. WEBSITE

Acker Bilk at his last gig Brecon Jazz Festival, August 11th 2013 Photo credit: Tim Dickeson. All Rights Reserved