Anyone who enjoys the music of Tony Osborne will love this jazz-inspired all- pizzicato piece for the intermediate double bass duo. The outer movements fizz with life and energy, contrasting a more lyrical and reflective middle movement, offering musical and technical challenges in equal measure. Great music from a great composer and suitable for any concert or occasion.

Sir John – His Gig is a tribute to Sir John Dankworth (1927-2010) and was premiered on 28 February 2010 at College (Bristol) by David Heyes and Ben Groenevelt.

Tony Osborne writes: “Sir John (Johnny) Dankworth was one of the most enduring jazz musicians of the 20th and 21st-centuries, not only in his native Britain, but respected throughout the world. Together with his wife since 1958, the legendary singer Dame Cleo Laine, Johnny made a unique contribution to many areas of music.

As well as being a leading clarinettist and saxophonist, he was much in demand as a composer, writing many film and television scores. One of his best known themes was the first title music for ‘Tomorrow’s World’ on BBC television. He and Cleo founded The Stables Theatre at their home in Wavendon, Buckinghamshire – also home to many music education projects – which celebrated its 40th anniversary just after Johnny passed away.”

This tribute for double bass duo is in three short movements.

1. On the Road has strong driving rhythms and uses both unison, or octave passages, and solo with walking bass accompaniment.

2. Hey Cleo! is a soulful, flowing ballad in respect of his devoted wife and working partner of 52 years.

3. That’s Jazz! is an up-tempo bop that rips away all the blues and celebrates the life of a truly great man of music.

Sir John – His Gig is a tribute to Sir John Dankworth (1927-2010) and was premiered on 28 February 2010 at Clifton College (Bristol) by David Heyes and Ben Groenevelt.