The chances are that if you were asked to name a clarinet player, the first name that would spring to mind is Acker Bilk. Somerset-born Acker became world famous in May 1962 when he became the first British artist to top the US pop music charts, paving the way for other acts from the UK.
Acker was born Bernard Stanley Bilk, on 28th January 1929 in Pensford, Somerset. "Acker" means "friend" in Somerset dialect, and he acquired that nickname from an early age. His father was a carpenter by trade, but also played the church organ; and Acker learnt piano and recorder as a child. He learnt to play clarinet in 1948 while on military service with the Royal Engineers in Egypt. The story goes that Acker was imprisoned for three months for falling asleep on guard duty and learnt clarinet while in jail; presumably having plenty of time to practice!
This album was originally recorded for Denis Preston's Record Supervision series in 1971.
It´s showcase the bowler-hatted virtuoso performing a nicely balanced programme of evergreens, all of which are dressed in gorgeous, lush orchestrations by British jazz legend Stan Tracey and arranger Leon Young. It´s an essential album ....
It´s showcase the bowler-hatted virtuoso performing a nicely balanced programme of evergreens, all of which are dressed in gorgeous, lush orchestrations by British jazz legend Stan Tracey and arranger Leon Young. It´s an essential album ....
Acker Bilk in his finest way to play his very special sentimental mood.
Personnel:
Acker Bilk (clarinet)
+
The Stan Tracey Strings
Tracklist:
01. You'll Never Know (Gordon/Warren) 4.04
02. Embraceable You (Gershwin) 4.12
03. Bagatelle (Bechet) 2.29
04. Skylark (Carmichael/Mercer) 3.40
05. It's Only A Paper Moon (Rose/Harburg/Arlen) 2.56
06. Summer Set (Bilk/Collet) 2.21
07. Out Of Nowhere (Green/Heyman) 3.30
08. Where Or When (Rodgers/Hart) 3.35
09. Jacqueline (Bechet) 2.11
10. Irish Lullaby (Mack) 2.33
11. Bird In The Park (Jelmer) 2.29
12. Horn Of Plenty (Tracey) 3.11
