A celebration of the centenary of Humphrey Lyttelton’s birth, showcasing his wonderful life, times and music. Created by jazz trumpeter and life-long fan, Chris Hodgkins, the tour will highlight how Humphrey Lyttelton led the way for the jazz revival of the late 1940s and 50s, bringing jazz to the mainstream with the first UK jazz record to reach the Top20, Bad Penny Blues.

Affectionately known as “Humph”, he was of course just as well-known for his broadcasting work, as the host of BBC Radio 2’s The Best of Jazz and BBC Radio 4’s ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue’.

To celebrate Humph’s life and heritage, Chris Hodgkins, himself a stalwart of the British jazz scene, has put together an impressive ten-piece band featuring top UK and US musicians.

The band features Chris Hodgkins – trumpet, Henry Lowther – trumpet,
Charlotte Glasson – sax, Diane McLoughlin – sax, Mark Bassey – trombone
Alison Rayner – double bass, Cheryl Alleyne – drums, Alex Clarke – tenor sax and clarinet.
And all the way from the USA…
Jinjoo Yoo – piano, Wayne Wilkinson – guitar

The band will play many of Humph’s original compositions and arrangements as well as new pieces composed especially for the tour.

A travelling exhibition on Humph’s life and times may also accompany the tour, consisting of a multi-media presentation and visual archive display based on Humph’s writings and journals.