Derek Wadsworth

b. 5 February 1939, Bradford, Yorkshire, England. Wadsworth began playing cornet as a child, and from the age of 11 performed and studied with brass bands. (This type of ensemble, playing popular music, light classics, etc, is a traditional form of music making in the area in which he was born and raised.) Later, he switched to trombone and began playing in dance bands. From the early 60s he was with a succession of leaders based in London. These bands included Georgie Fame, with whom he recorded and toured Europe, and a long spell with Humphrey Lyttelton that continued into the mid-70s. The 70s also saw Wadsworth in long-running musical relationships with Graham Collier, with whom he recorded, Songs For My Father, and John Dankworth. He also played in Maynard Ferguson’s band, including a tour of the USA in 1972 and also recording sessions. Wadsworth’s breadth of musical interests drove him to found the Musicians Union’s Rock Workshop, at which he lectured throughout the second half of the 70s. He has also recorded with Al Jarreau and Mike Westbrook. Wadsworth is also a gifted composer and among his credits is the score for the 24-part British television series, Space 1999.