Syd Lawrence

In 1967, as an established BBC Northern Dance Orchestra trumpet player, Syd Lawrence recognised a shared frustration among fellow musicians at performing uninspired arrangements of pop hits. Having trained under bandleaders including Geraldo, Teddy Foster, Nat Temple, Sidney Lipton and Cyril Stapleton, he believed audiences deserved authentic swing-era music, played live.

He started a weekly rehearsal band of like-minded musicians in an upstairs room at the Wellington Hotel in Didsbury, Manchester. The gatherings grew so quickly that the group had to move venue three times within eighteen months.

In 1969 Syd left the BBC and took the Orchestra professional. Their first concert, in Sheffield, sold out completely, and television appearances and recording sessions at Strawberry Studios followed, producing Glenn Miller-themed albums that sold over 100,000 copies. Alan Dell, the BBC’s own “Mr Big Band”, played their recording of “American Patrol” on national radio, and demand took off from there. The Orchestra went on to perform extensively across the UK, including prestigious London venues and royal command performances.

Syd retired in 1996 after three decades of continuous touring, handing leadership to his former lead trombonist, Chris Dean. He passed away on 5 May 1998, leaving behind a substantial music library that continues to benefit musicians and big band enthusiasts today.