Bill Le Sage discography...
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Bill Le Sage discography...
Bill Le Sage (c1969) Bill Le Sage was born in London in 1927. He began playing drums at the age of fifteen and then taught himself to play piano. He began playing gigs as a teenager and formed his own band at the age of eighteen before doing National Service. In 1945 he had formed his own sextet and was playing in the Johnny Dankworth quintet. From 1945 to 1948 he played in army bands and an assortment of provincial groups before becoming a founder member, playing piano, of the Johnny Dankworth Seven in 1950. When Dankworth formed his big band in 1953 Le Sage stayed on until 1954 when he joined Tony Kinsey. By now he was doubling up on vibes. He stayed with Kinsey until 1961, also playing with the Kenny Baker Dozen through this period.

He began writing for TV and films, and from 1961 to 1966 worked regularly with Ronnie Ross. He worked again with Johnny Dankworth in 1966 as well as undertaking extensive freelancing and was composing extended works in the 1960s. Le Sage worked regularly with his own trio through to the 1990s and often accompanied visiting American musicians including Tal Farlow. In 1969 he formed the Bebop Preservation Society, working with this group into the 1990s. In the 1990s he again worked with John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, while continuing his composing and TV work. He died in 2001 from lung cancer. The majority of his recorded work comes under the name of the band leaders he worked with.

Bill Le Sage c1951 Johnny Dankworth Seven - May 18th, 1950 (Jazz Parade)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Joe Muddel (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Lightly Politely*^/Strike Up The Band*/Marmaduke*/Little Benny*.
(*Jasmine CD - Bop-in' Britain Vol 1)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

July 29th, 1950 (Esquire)
personnel as May 18th except that Eric Dawson replaced Joe Muddel, add Marion Williams (vcl).
Sam's Song (MW vcl)/Haunted Ballroom Theme (JD plays cl)/Seven Not Out*/Cherokee*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

October 14th, 1950 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th except Frank Holder replaces Marion Williams.
Perhaps/*Get Happy*/Lament And Wild Dance/Don't Blame Me (FH vcl)^.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

April 27th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th, 1950.
Marching Through Georgia/Blue Moon (vocal Alan Dean)/So In Love/Stardust.

July 12th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th, 1950.
I Hear Music*^/Leon Bismark*^/The Slider*^#/Webb City*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

November 8th, 1951 (Esquire)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Eddie Taylor (d), Cleo Laine (vcl).
Mr And Mississippi (vcl CL)^/Lush Life (vcl CL)^/Strictly Confidential*^/Allen's Alley*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

December 17th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as above.
It's No Sin (vcl CL)/Wedding Of The Painted Doll/Stomping At The Savoy*/Myob*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)

March 4th, 1952 (Esquire)
personnel as November 8th 1951, add Frank Holder (vcl) and Cleo Laine (vcl).
I've Got You Under My Skin (vcl FH)/The Very Thought Of You (vcl CL)^/Bopscotch*/Our Delight*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

Johnny Dankworth Seven - February 10th, 1953 (Parlophone)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d), Frank Holder (bgo-1), Cleo Laine (voc-2).
Two Ticks*/Moon Flowers(1)*/Honeysuckle Rose(2)*#/Swingin'*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


Jazz at The Flamingo - March, 1953 (Decca) (JMC1)
Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Tommy Whittle, Don Rendell (ts), Benny Green (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Crombie (d,leader).
Jump For Jeff*/Tres Gai*#/All Star Special^.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell - Playtime)
(#Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute)
(^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection)

Johnny Dankworth Seven - May 6th, 1953 (Parlophone)
Personnel as February 10th, + Frank Holder (vcl), Cleo Laine (vcl).
Easy Living(vcl CL)*^#/Oo-De Boop*/I Get A Kick Out Of You(vcl FH)*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - November 12th, 1953 (Parlophone)
Derek Abbott, Eddie Blair, Bill Metcalf, George Boocock (tp), Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie, Eddie Harvey, Gib Wallace (tb), Johnny Dankworth, Lew Smith, Maurice Owen (as), Rex Morris, Freddy Courteney (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Allan Ganley (d).
S'Wonderful*/Younger Every Day*^.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)
(*EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


December 23rd, 1953 (Parlophone)
Personnel as November 12th.
The Slider*/Talk Of The Town*#.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


January 21st, 1954 (Parlophone)
Personnel as November 12th exceptGeoff Cole (as) replaces Lew Smith.
My Buddy*/Runnin' Wild*#/The Jerky Thing.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


April 14th, 1954 (Parlophone)
Derek Abbott, Eddie Blair, Bill Metcalf, George Boocock (tp), Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie, Eddie Harvey, Bill Geldard (tb), Johnny Dankworth, Geoff Cole, Maurice Owen (as), Rex Morris, Freddy Courteney (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Allan Ganley (d), Cleo Laine (voc on all titles).
Ain't Misbehavin'*#/I Got Rhythm*#/I Know You're Mine#/I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good#.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


c1957 Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - May 13th, 1954 (Esquire EP82) (JMC6)
Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Last Resort*/Best Behaviour*/How Deep Is The Ocean*/Get Happy*.
(*Giant Steps CD - Killer Joe: Birth Of A Legend)
(*Proper Box 4CD set - The Joe Harriott Story)

(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - September 22nd, 1954 (Esquire)
Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Jump For Me*/Can't We Be Friends*/Raymond*/Nice Work If You Can Get It*.
(*Giant Steps CD - Killer Joe: Birth Of A Legend)
(*Proper Box 4CD set - The Joe Harriott Story)

(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - December 9th, 1954 (Esquire EP52* - EP36^) (JMC7)
Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Chirracahua^/Teddi^/The Song Is You*/It Don't Mean A Thing*#.
(*^Giant Steps CD - Killer Joe: Birth Of A Legend)
(*^Proper Box 4CD set - The Joe Harriott Story)

(#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')
(*^Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Johnny Dankworth revived the 'Seven' for a live broadcast by the BBC
Johnny Dankworth Seven - January 31st, 1955 (BBC)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Maurice Pratt (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Joe Muddel (b), Tony Kinsey (d), Frank Holder (voc-1), Cleo Laine (voc-2).
Easy Living*(2)/Scrapple From The Apple*/Too Marvelous For Words*(1)/Lover Man*/Deed I Do*(2)/Body And Soul*(1)/Marmaduke*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)

Cleo Laine with Keith Christie Quintet - March 3rd, 1955 (Esquire)
Cleo Laine(vcl), Keith Christie (tb), Johnny Dankworth ("Dee") (cl,as), Bill Le Sage (vib,p), Bill Sutcliffe (b), Allan Ganley (d).
It Was A Lover And His Lass*#^/Spread A Little Happiness*/You're Blase*/I'm On A See-saw*/You've Done Something To My Heart*^/Mad About The Boy*/It's A Pity To Say Goodnight*#/A Love Like Ours*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#Hallmark CD - Basement Bop - British jazz in the 1950s)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

Jazz Today Unit - April 20th, 1955 (Nixa NJE1006) (JMC11)
Kenny Baker (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Vic Ash (cl), Bertie King (as), Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Bill Le Sage (acc), Cedric West (g), Frank Clarke (b), Eddie Taylor (d).
Symphony In Riffs (part 1)*#/Symphony In Riffs (part 2)#.
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)
(#Retrospective CD - George Chisholm The Gentleman of Jazz - A Centenary Tribute)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - May 17th, 1955 (Decca DFE6282)
Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Introduction*^/Harlem*#/She's Funny That Way#*/Fascinating Rhythm#*+.
(#Harkit CD - The Decca Sessions)
(#^Giant Steps CD - Killer Joe: Birth Of A Legend)
(#^Proper Box 4CD set - The Joe Harriott Story)

(+Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Kenny Baker and his Dozen - May 26th, 1955 (Nixa NPT19020)
Kenny Baker, Tommy McQuater (tp), Jackie Armstrong, George Chisholm (tb), EO Pogson, Harry Hayes, Keith Bird (reeds), Derek Collins (ts) Harry Klein (bs), Norman Stenfalt (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Bugler's Lament/There'll Never Be Another You/If You Were The Only Girl/Whistle And I'll Come To You/Gal From Joe's/Coquette/We'll Always Be Sweethearts/Too Cool For The Blues*.
(*Castle 3 CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)

Lita Roza with the Tony Kinsey Quartet - July, 1955 (Listening in the after-hours - Decca LF1243)
Lita Roza (vcl), Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
That Old Black Magic*/Guilty*/Don't Worry About Me*/You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To*/Too Marvellous For Words*/I Don't Want To Walk Without You*/The Nearness Of You*/You'll Never Know*#.
(*Vocalion CD - Listening In The After-Hours/Love Is The Answer)
(#Giant Steps CD - Killer Joe: Birth Of A Legend)
(#Proper Box 4CD set - The Joe Harriott Story)

(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - August 3rd, 1955 (Decca DFE6285)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Close Your Eyes*#/Pierrot*/Makin' Whopee*#/I Never Knew.
(#Harkit CD - The Decca Sessions)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - October 18th, 1955 (Decca)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Hey There*#/Starboard Bow*#/Ballet*#/Body And Soul*#.
(#Harkit CD - The Decca Sessions)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Vic Ash Quartet - Late 1955 (Nixa)
Vic Ash (cl), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Skylark/Lazy Bones/The Nearness Of You/Two Sleepy People.

In 2002 Jasmine Records issued a CD containing 'previously unissued performances'. This session does not appear in Kenny Baker discographies although several titles on this CD have been recorded on other dates. The booklet with the CD says only that they are studio recordings made in the mid - 1950s. It does not say who made the original recordings, presumably it is a record company but may even be the BBC, the dozen had a regular late night programme on the BBC at the time...
Kenny Baker and his Dozen - mid 1950s (?)
probable personnel: Kenny Baker, Tommy McQuater (or Freddy Clayton) (tp), Keith Christie, George Chisholm (tb), EO Pogson, Harry Hayes, Keith Bird (reeds), Derek Collins (ts) Harry Klein (bs), Derek Smith (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Joe Muddel (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Keeping Out Of Mischief Now*/Oh! Baby*/Midriff*/Bugler's Lament*/The Blues I Love To Sing*/Button Up Your Overcoat*/The Moon Is Low*/I Can't Escape From You*/Puttin' On The Ritz*/Straight Life*/9.20 Special*/In A Sentimental Mood*/We'll Be Together Again*/Plymouth Rock*/Oh! You Beautiful Doll*/Apex Blues*/Woofti*/I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter*/My Blue Heaven*/Not Really The Blues*/C'est Ci Bon*/Duke's Jam*.
(*Jasmine CD - Kenny Baker's Dozen Play Not Quite Two Dozen)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - February 20th, 1956 (Decca)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Dill Jones (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Stompin' At The Savoy*/China Boy*/Moonglow/One O'Clock Jump.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Hawksworth-Verrell Jazz Group - March 5th, 1956 (Decca FJ10726)
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,bells), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Always/Ring Dem Bells.

Johnny Keating All Stars - March 19th and 20th, 1956 (British Jazz - Oriole MG20011)
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Strictly For Kyx*/Good Life*.
Don Lusher, George Chisholm, Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Quads Talk*.
Don Lusher, George Chisholm, Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie (tb), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Fair Diana*.
Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Impromptu*.
Eddie Blair (tp), Bob Efford (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Ultraviolet*.
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Eddie Blair's Picnic*.
Eddie Blair, Bobby Pratt (tp), Jimmy Wilson (tb), Ian Powell (tu), Ronnie Chamberlain (as), Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d), Dizzy Reece (bgo-1).
Gibraltar Rocks*/Piccadilly Jumps* (1).
Eddie Blair (tp), Ronnie Chamberlain (as), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Lazy*.
Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Last Resort*.
Jimmy Faulds (f,oboe), Henry Mackenzie (cl), Danny Moss (b-cl), Ian Saunders (EngHrn), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Snowface*.
(*Vocalion CD - British Jazz & Swinging Scots)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - April 30th, 1956 (Decca)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
A Smooth One#*/In A Ditch*/Isolation#*/Lullaby Of The Leaves#*. (May 28th).
(#Harkit CD - The Decca Sessions)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

George Chisholm and his Orchestra - May 16th, 1956 (Decca LK4147)
George Chisholm, Ken Goldie (tb), Bob Burns (as), Derek Collins (ts), Bill Le Sage (vib), Max Harris (p), Joe Muddel (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Weekend Male*/When Your Lover Has Gone*#/Sonny Boy*#/I May Be Wrong*#.
(*Vocalion CD - "Chis" The Art of George Chisholm)
(#Retrospective CD - George Chisholm The Gentleman of Jazz - A Centenary Tribute)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - October 18th, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Mean To Me*/Supper Party*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - November 8th, 1956 (Decca)
personnel as October 18th.
Caravan*/Cambridge Blues*/Love For Sale*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - November 30th, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
In A Mellow Tone*/You Are Too Beautiful*/Nice Work If You Can Get It*/Sweet And Lovely*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - December 31st, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
No Name Flyer*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - January 18th, 1957 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Take The A Train*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Kenny Baker and his Dozen - February 2nd, 1957 (BBC Light programme "Let's Settle For Music")
Kenny Baker (tp,flhrn), Tommy McQuater (tp), Keith Christie (tb,v-tb), George Chisholm (tb), EO Pogson (bs sax,ocarina), Harry Hayes (as), Keith Bird (cl,ts), Derek Collins (cl) Harry Klein (bs), Derek Smith (p), Bill Le Sage (vib,acc), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d).
John's Idea*/Someone To Watch Over Me*/It's Only A Paper Moon*/Down In Our Alley Blues*/Would You Like To Take A Walk*/You're Lucky To Me*/Sister Kate*/Kansas City Kitty*/Cherry Point*/Love For Sale*/Alice Blue Gown*/Ill Wind*/Swinging On C*.
(*Acrobat 2 CD - Kenny Baker's Dozen Live at the BBC 1957)

Lita Roza was a popular vocalist with the Ted Heath band and the session below used several Heath sidemen...
Lita Roza with Bill Munn's All Stars - February 11th, 14th and 15th, 1957 (Between the devil and the deep blue sea -Decca LK4218)
Ronnie Hughes (tp), George Chisholm, Ken Wray (tb), George Hunter (as), Don Rendell (ts), Alan Clare (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Ike Isaacs (g), Joe Muddel or Lennie Bush (b), Eddie Taylor or Jack Peach (d).
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea*/Willow Weep For Me*/Little White Lies*/Moon Song*/Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams*/I Only Have Eyes For You*/You Turned The Tables On Me*/I Cover The Waterfront*/You're Driving Me Crazy*/Moonglow*/You Took Advantage Of Me*/No Moon At All*/My One And Only Love*.
(*Vocalion CD - Between the devil and the deep blue sea / A Lita Roza Ted Heath singles compilation)

Kenny Baker and his Dozen - February 16th, 1957 (BBC Light programme "Let's Settle For Music")
Kenny Baker (tp,flhrn), Tommy McQuater (tp), Ken Wray (bass-tp,v-tb), George Chisholm (tb), Harry Hayes (as), Keith Bird (cl,ts), Derek Collins (cl) Harry Klein (bs), Derek Smith (p), Bill Le Sage (vib,acc), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Autobahn Blues*/Mood for Trumpet*/You're In Kentucky Sure As You're Born*/Charlie The Chulo*/East Of The Sun*/My Sweetie Went Away*/Black And Blue*/Sensation Rag*/I Love You Samantha*/Cottontail*/Progressive Gavotte*/Darn That Dream*/Moten Swing*.
(*Acrobat 2 CD - Kenny Baker's Dozen Live at the BBC 1957)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - May 16th, 1957 (Decca)
Joe Harriott (as), Bob Efford (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Hi-ya*/Fishin' The Blues*/I'm Beginning To See The Light*/Mystery Of The Marie Celeste*/Pict's Lament*/Just Goofin'*#.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)
(#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')

The Melody Maker's All-Stars - October, 1957 (Nixa NJT509 )
Kenny Baker, Eddie Blair, Bert Courtley (tp), George Chisholm, Keith Christie, Don Lusher (tb), Joe Harriott (as), Don Rendell, Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Bill Le Sage (vib), Dave Lee (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Top score*/Mood Indigo*.
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - October 7th, 1957 (Decca)
Les Condon (tp), Bob Efford (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Blue Eyes*/The Midgets*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - December 6th, 1957 (Decca)
personnel as October 7th.
I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face*/Would'nt It Be Luverley*/I Could Have Danced All Night*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - December 30th, 1957 (Decca)
Les Condon (tp), Bob Efford (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
On The Street Where You Live*/Show Me*/Get Me To the Church On Time*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - March, 1958 (Decca)
Les Condon (tp), Bob Efford (ts,b-cl), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Dave Willis (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Three Modes*/Satin Doll*/Autumn In Cuba*/Twinkletoes*/I Didn't Know What Time It Was*/Cool Me Madam*/Hallelujah*/Time Gentlemen Please*.
(*Vocalion CD - How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying/Time Gentlemen Please)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - June 20th, 1958 (Parlophone PMC1076*)
Dickie Hawdon, Derek Abbott, Bob Carson, Stan Palmer, Colin Wright (tp), Jack Botterill, Garry Brown, Laurie Monk, Tony Russell, Danny Elwood (tb), Jim Powell (tuba), Johnny Dankworth (as), Johnny Scott (fl), Danny Moss (ts,cl), Alex Leslie (bs,cl), Bill Le Sage (vib), Dave Lee (p), Eric Dawson (b), Kenny Clare (d).
The Colonel's Tune*/Jim And Andy*/Don't Get Around Much Any More*.
(*EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)

Melody Maker's All Stars - November, 1958 (All the Winners - Nixa NJT518) (JM0559)
Tubby Hayes (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill le Sage (vib), Dave Goldberg (g), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Hark Dog*.
(*Vocalion CD - Jazz Today - Buddy Featherstonhaugh, Harry Klein and others)
(*Jasmine CD -Tubby Hayes - London Pride)

Kenny Baker and his Band - February 23rd/24th, 1959 (Columbia 33S1140)
Kenny Baker, Albert Hall, Stan Reynolds, Ronnie Simmons (tp), Eddie Harvey, Ken Wray (tb), Ray Premru (bs-tp, bs-tb), Mike Senn (as), Don Rendell, Art Ellefson (ts), Johnny Scott (fl,ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (vib), Norman Stenfalt (p), Jack Seymour (b), Jackie Dougan (d).
Blowin' Up A Storm/More Than You Know/Call Of The Flute/Cambridge Blues/Influential Character/Jazzmen/ Threesome/ Sunrise Serenade/Too Cool For The Blues*.
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - May 29th, 1959 (Parlophone)
Les Condon (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Kenny Napper (b), Tony Kinsey (d), Christopher Logue (narration).
Blue Shoes*/Moon Clouds*/Bas Time*/Pandora*/Stew Pot*/J's Blues*/Blue Lament*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - November 18th, 1959 (BBC Transcription)
Alan Branscombe (as), Bill Le Sage (vib), Kenny Napper (b), Tony Kinsey (d,perc).
Bandstand*/Foursome*/Dancing On The Ceiling*/Taboo*.
(*Vocalion CD - BBC Rare transcription recordings (1959) Volume One)

Tony Kinsey Quartet - December 7th, 1959 (Parlophone) (JM1160)
Alan Branscombe (as), Bill Le Sage (vib), Jack Fallon (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Foursome*/The Campbells Are Coming*/Mooching*/Uh Ho*/Bandstand*/Man For Ghana*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - September, 1961 (An evening with the Tony Kinsey Quintet - Ember EMB3337)
Tubby Hayes (ts, fl), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Weber The Great*^+/Girl In Blue*^+/World Of Blues*^/Bassman*/Beathaven*/What A Gas*/Runnymede Groove*/Portrait*.
(^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection)
(*Fantastic Voyage 3 CD set - Tubby Hayes - Jazz Genius: the Flamingo Era)

(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)
(+Acrobat CD - British Modern Jazz Singles, EP tracks & Rarities 1960 - 62)

Bill le Sage - Ronnie Ross Quartet - April, 1963 (World Record Club T346) (JM0265)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill le Sage (p, vib), Spike Heatley (b), Allan Ganley (d).
If You Were the Only Girl In The World/Falling In Love With Love/Close To You/Autumn In Cuba#/Satin Doll/Country Squire/Benny's South Street/The Cheaters*#/C Jam Blues/New Orleans/Spain/Pitiful Pearl*.
(*Ember CD - The Best Of British Jazz featuring the stars of the British modern jazz scene from the 1950s and 1960s)
(#Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection)

Johnny Hawksworth Trio - May, 1963 (Accustomed To My Bass - Columbia 33SX1654)
Tommy Whittle-1, Bob Efford-2 (ts),Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Misty/My Mother's Eyes-1/It's You Or No One-2.

Directions in jazz - April 29th, 1964 (Directions in Jazz - Philips BL7625)
Bob Burns (as,cl), Johnny Scott (as,fl), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib,ldr), Spike Heatley (b), Tony Carr (d), Freddy Alexander cello quartet.
Night Talk/Morning Theories/Lady Day/Honky Tonk/Caber Dance/Milestones/Monkey Business/New Orleans/Times 2 1/2/Rustic Gait.

Directions in jazz - May 3rd, 1965 (The Road to Ellingtonia - Philips BL7673)
Bob Burns (as,cl), Johnny Scott (as,fl), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib,ldr), Spike Heatley (b), Tony Carr (d), Freddy Alexander cello quartet.
Hiawatha/It Don't Mean A Thing/Progressive Gavotte/Prelude To A Kiss/C Jam Blues/Midriff/Upper Manhattan Medical Group/Come Sunday/You Better Know It/Lay-by.

Bill Le Sage - c1965/6 (Bill's Recipes - Saga STM6019)
Eddie Blair (tp), George Chisholm, Lad Busby, Ken Goldie, Jackie Armstrong (tb), Henry Mackenzie (cl), Tommy Whittle (ts), Bill Le Sage (acc,p,vib), Derek Smith (p), Lennie Bush or Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
First Night/Blues/Finders Keepers/Pict's Lament/Snow Face/Little Bop Poos/Shade Of Spring/Lazy/Cloud Frolic/Cambridge Blue/Rain On The Seine/Chirracahua .

On February 25th, 1966 the Ronnie Ross Big Band recorded a live pro/gramme for NDR, in Hamburg, Germany, that was later released in Germany on a CD under the title Old Friends & New Faces from Britain. The band comprised: Stu Hamer (tp, flhrn), Greg Bowen, Les Condon (tp), Keith Christie, Johnny Marshall (tb), Bob Burns (sop,as,cl), Peter King, Danny Moss (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Spike Heatley (b), Tony Carr (d). Titles on the CD were: Jazz Jury/Double Exposure/ Chow Min/No Longer/Three For the Bar/C-Deck/Way Out Back/Since Yesterday/Spike's Bit/Tobago/Veronique/Ugetsu. (three other titles were recorded that were not included on the CD: Small Fry/Maltese Cross/Jazz Jury-2)

Ike Isaacs - 1966 (Morgan MR116)
Leon Calvert (tp,flhrn), Ray Swinfield (fl,saxes), Bill Le Sage (vib), Ike Isaacs (g), Spike Heatley (b), Barry Morgan, Art Morgan (d).
After Hours/Paris Fashion/Reflections At Dusk/Blushing Bride/Just Funky/Blues Espagnol/Dream Sequence/Two Way Favourite/The Second Of April/Sad September.

Tony Coe & The Lansdowne String Quartet - c1967 (Tony's Basement - Columbia SCX6170)
Tony Coe (as,ts,cl), Tommy Whittle-1 (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Dennis Bowden (b), Barry Morgan (d), Monty Babson (bgo), + Lansdowne String Quartet.
Baby Blue/The Midnight Sun Will Never Set/Murmurio (1)/Ghost Of Yesterday/Baby Doll, I Love You/The Lady Sings The blues (1)/Whisper It Slow/Never Love A Stranger/Tony's Basement.

Ronnie Ross Quintet - June, 1968 (Cleopatra's Needle - Fontana SFJL915)
Ronnie Ross (bs), Art Ellefson (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Spike Heatley (b), Tony Carr (d).
Smiling Jack/Eucalyptus Kid/Tibufa/Brewer's Castle.

Ronnie Ross Sextet - June, 1968 (Cleopatra's Needle - Fontana SFJL915)
Les Condon (tp), Ronnie Ross (bs), Art Ellefson (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,vib-1), Spike Heatley (b), Ronnie Stephenson (d).
Dolphin Square/U69/Cleopatra's Needle/Stand By(1).

Harold McNair Quartet - July, 1968 (Harold McNair - RCA SF7969)
Harold McNair (ts,f), Bill Le Sage (p), Spike Heatley (b), Tony Carr (d).
Mento*/Indecision*/The Hipster*/Mini Blues*/Secret Love*/Darn That Dream*/On A Clear Day You Can See Forever*/The Cottage*/Lord Of The Reedy River*.
(*Vocalion CD - Harold McNair / Flute and nut)

Martin Drew and his Band - November, 1977 (Lee Lambert LAM003)
Brian Smith (ts,sop), John Taylor (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Ron Mathewson (b), Martin Drew (d), Chris Fletcher (perc).
No More Blues/Re-rev/A Child Is Born/Strut Your Stuff/Another Star/Steelbender/Easy Life/Sound Down.

Barbara Jay - January 12th, 1988 (Memories of You - Tee-Jay 102)
Barbara Jay (vcl) acc. by Tommy Whittle (cl,ts), Brian Dee (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Martin Taylor (g), Dave Green (b), Bobby Orr (d).
A Smooth One*/Moonglow*.
(*Spotlite CD - Barbara Jay - Just Friends)

The Bebop Preservation Society
The Bebop Preservation Society was a group originally set up by Bill Le Sage in the 1970s to keep the old bebop music alive. By this time modern jazz had moved on and bebop was becoming a forgotten sound. The group used to play at the Bull's Head (London), on and off during the 1970s and early 1980s were recorded on three occasions. In January 1972, Tubby Hayes sat in with the group for six weeks while recuperating from his first heart operation and was with the group when they recorded three titles for the BBC in a programme called Late Night Line Up. Many people who heard the band, or the records, rate Hank Shaw's trumpet work amongst the best bebop trumpet playing they had heard. The first record date is regarded as the best of the three with excellent recording quality and an excellent choice of titles. These LPs are now as rare as hen's teeth and have not been re-issued on CD...

The Bebop Peservation Society - May 24th/25th, 1971 (Dawn DNLS3027)
Hank Shaw (tp), Peter King (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Spike Heatley (b), Brian Spring (d). (1-PK and HS out, Le Sage plays vibes).
Donna Lee/High Score/Ah-leu-cha/Warpaint/Eronel/Godchild/Whats New-1/One Bass Hit/Perhaps.

Tubby Hayes announced his departure from the BPS on February 19th 1972 (Melody Maker) and was working at The Bulls Head, Barnes on the night this programme was broadcast. It is therefore likely it was recorded the previous month...
Be-Bop Preservation Society - March 17th, 1972 (BBC TV "Late Night Line-Up" Broadcast)
Tubby Hayes (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Peter King (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Spike Heatley (b), Bryan Spring (d).
Eronel/Godchild/Bamboozled.

Red Rodney with the Bebop Peservation Society - January 20th/21st, 1975 (Spotlite SPJLP7)
Hank Shaw, Red Rodney (tp), Peter King (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Spike Heatley (b), Martin Drew (d).
Blue'n Boogie/Seven Dials/If You Could See Me Now (HS out)/Merry-go-round/March Of Ides/Sid's Delight/ Esmereldas/Tenderley (HS, PK out).

The Bebop Peservation Society - May 19th, 1975 (Spotlite 500 - Pied Piper of Hamelin Suite)
Hank Shaw (tp), Peter King (as), Bill Le Sage (p,el-p), Spike Heatley (b), Martin Drew (d).
Hamelin/Council Cakewalk/Rats/Pied Piper/Mayor's Got The Blues/Little Boy Lost/Town Band Birthday.

Recorded live at the Bull's Head Inn in Barnes, SW London. The CD was available only from the Bull's Head...
Spike Robinson/Dick Morrissey/Bill Le Sager - 1987 (Live At The Bull (Vol 1) - Bull's Head Music BHCD002)
Dick Morrissey, Spike Robinson (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Alec Dankworth (b), Bill Eyden (d).
Broadway/The Gypsy/In A Mellow Tone/Close Enough For Love/Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You/Tickletoe.


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