Party Pieces consists of three wonderfully jazzy and rhythmic pieces for the beginner-intermediate Double Bass, Trio. Typical of the lively and accessible music of Tony Osborne, these are instantly appealing and full of high spirits.

Picnic Time sets the mood with a toe-tapping tune; Bass Metal is repetitive, lively and full of jazzy and driving syncopations; and Sing-Song has a bright and melodic appeal. These could be played as a trio or with larger forces and have always been successful in performance.

Remaining in bass clef throughout, Party Pieces offer wonderfully accessible and fun music which is ideal to teach about ensemble skills and would also be suitable for any audience or occasion.

Born in 1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker (composition), and divided a busy career between composing, teaching, and performing.

A prolific composer and arranger, Tony’s original compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne Syncopations and Wainwright’s Ways for brass quintet, Celebration Fanfare for brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic Requiem, and many works for string orchestra.

Tony’s music for young bassists is very much at the heart of the teaching, Repertoire, particularly his jazzy and enjoyable bass trios and quartets, and he had the rare ability to create wonderful music which is always player and audience-friendly.

In 2001 Tony Osborne was elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering and important work for double bass and was a featured com- poser at Bass-Fest for over ten years. He was a very successful BIBF Composer-in-residence in 2002-3, was a judge for the British Composer Awards and a judge for the BIBF Composition Competition from 1999 until 2015.

Tony Osborne died on 30 March 2019 at the age of 71.