After Dinner Speakers: Syd Lawrence, Paul Zerdin, Bryan Ferry

b. 26 June 1923, Shotton, Flintshire, Wales, d. 5 May 1998, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England. As a child Lawrence studied violin but began playing cornet with a brass band. In 1941, he became a professional musician, playing dance music but then entered the Royal Air Force. During his military service he became a member of the RAF Middle East Command Dance Orchestra. After the war, he played with, among others, Ken Mackintosh and Geraldo. In 1953, he joined the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra, where he remained for 15 years. Towards the end of his stint with the orchestra Lawrence formed a rehearsal band, playing the kind of dance music and swing popularized in the late 30s and 40s by American bands, especially that led by Glenn Miller. Over the next few months Lawrence found that his rehearsal band was attracting a growing audience which was especially appreciative of the Miller music he had transcribed from records. In 1969, he made the decision to form a full-time professional band. Although in its original concept the band played highly derivative music, it was done with such spirit and enthusiasm that he successfully retained an audience for concerts and records.