talks to Benny Green
Since 1950, when he formed his famous Seven, John Dankworth has been a household name in Jazz, first as alto-sax player, then as arranger and composer. But there is another side to Dankworth, who thinks of music in its entirety and not in pigeon-holes of classical or jazz, and who has collaborated in compositions for jazz band and symphony orchestra.
He talks to Benny Green about his career, his literary and musical influences and the inspiration he derives from his wife, the singer Cleo Laine, who has been at the centre of many of his compositions.