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Saying farewell to Bill Ashton, founder of NYJO

Today gave many of the UK's finest jazz musicians an opportunity to say farewell to an influential man - Bill Ashton, who founded the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) in 1965.



Bill's funeral was a touching affair, followed by a dignified send-off with some of the afore-mentioned musicians performing many of the NYJO charts that are synonymous with great British jazz.

Most of us had a story to tell about how Bill had helped and supported us as we started out on a life in music. NYJO through the 1960s and through to the start of the 21st century was a perfect middle ground between school and the professional life in jazz. For me, a couple of Bill's legendary telephone calls set me on a path as a reasonable-successful sax player, and I'll always be grateful for his support.

You can read my initial obituary on hearing about Bill's death on 9 March here

While Bill's funeral was a sad event for his family and all of those who considered him a friend, it was also exactly what he would have wanted - there was great jazz, real ale ("proper beer") and some apparently exceptional bottles of wine. Goodbye Bill - I'll always remember you as a good friend and supporter.
Higgles.
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