MR. ACKER BILK MBE

Three years ago in 2001 Acker was honoured with an MBE for his services to the Music Industry, well deserved, we feel, and maybe a little over due.    January 2004 saw Acker's "arrival" in Who's Who, although Acker and I are not sure what this exactly signifies!   But it certainly shows how far Acker has come since his humble birth in Pens ford, Somerset on 28 January 1929: his actual names are Bernard Stanley were short-lived as he was soon called Acker by all, this being Somerset for friend or mate, and if you meet Acker you will agree this name is apt, his warmth of character and wicked humour makes him friend to all.   His youth was spent in Somerset where his parents tried to teach Acker the piano, but the practising restricted him from being in the countryside, playing football or even a little poaching!   Acker lost two front teeth in a school punch-up, and half a finger in a sledging accident, and this he claims is the reason for his recognisable style of clarinet playing.

Before Acker became a musician he worked in the Bristol Wills Tobacco factory for £1.4s per week, also dabbled in a little boxing.   He married his childhood sweetheart, Jean.   Then in 1948 he started playing the clarinet and whilst in the Royal Engineers in the Canal Zone he borrowed a military clarinet and began copying records.   He was sent to the glasshouse for sleeping on duty and endured the boredom by practising.     Demobbed, Acker formed his first Band in Bristol, but then he and Jean moved to London so he could become the clarinettist with the Ken Colyer Band, but he hated London and returned to Bristol to form the Bristol Paramount Jazz Band.   In 1951 this Band came to London and Acker and Jean survived in a factory attic in Plaistow until the Band got their first big break - six weeks constant playing in a beer bar in Düsseldorf.   This really disciplined the Band musically and they never looked back.   Hit jazz records followed such as Summer-set and Creole Jazz.

Then in 1961 Acker recorded "Stranger on the Shore" and this was the first-ever recording to be number One simultaneously in the UK and USA, although there is a slight dispute over the UK charts, as there were so many different charts.     The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles states it was Number Two, whereas Twenty Years of British Record Charts states it was UK Number One.    Both says it was 55 weeks in the charts, so in 2002 when it was the 50th Anniversary of the Start of the Official singles Charts, Acker was delighted when Stranger on the shore was acclaimed No: 58 in the charts since charts began.     Acker has received many many awards, and gold and platinum records, including for "Aria” which put Acker back in the Charts in 1976.

These days Acker varies his recordings.   Jazz with his Paramount Jazz Band.   With string orchestras - romantic luscious melodies where his outstanding melodic graces comes to the fore.    2001 saw the USA digital release of "The Frankfurt Concert" with Acker's 1960's Band.    With jazz Acker can show his improvising talents over the years from the 1960 to 2004 and his CD recording "Chalumeau" is a good example of his present show.     2001 and 2002 saw Acker recording with the very talented Van Morrison, they recorded Acker's number "Evening Shadows" in 2001, and this was followed in November 2002 by "Summer-Set " released in 2003 with lyrics by Van.   In June 2004 Acker released his first live album for ten years with his Paramount Jazz Band, featuring new members, Enrico Tomasso, Ian Bateman and Malcolm Creese who joined Acker, Richie Bryant and Colin Wood, entitled "As Time Goes By" produced by Les Squires, his Tour Manager of 30 years.

Having reached the majestic age of 75 Acker is very keen on painting the Somerset countryside with a group of friends all coming from his childhood days and his very first Band, so has lightened his touring.   He still performs regularly with his Paramount Jazz Band, but although he is constantly asked to guest with other Bands he feels his loyalties lie with the Paramount Jazz Band, and only accepts an occasional local gig, or maybe the Edinburgh Jazz festival with Humphrey Lyttelton, or in Ireland with Irish musicians.   He gets many offers to return to Australia and New Zealand, where his popularity is massive but Acker doesn't like long flights so reluctantly refuses, although a few years ago he did play in South Africa and New Orleans.    2004 sees the continuation of 3B concerts reuniting Acker and his Band with the Chris Barber Big Band and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen; also we have the Giants of Jazz concerts with Humphrey Lyttelton and George Melly.

Having toured the world for 50 years and seen most of its wonders it is typical of Acker that he and Jean have built a bungalow in Pensford overlooking his beloved Somerset countryside.     Jenny, his daughter, and Pete, his son, both live just north of London.   Jenny was his inspiration for writing Stranger on the Shore, which was originally called Jenny, but the title was changed when it became the theme tune for a TV series.    Pete is also a musician and runs a recording studio.    Acker supports different causes from Cancer charities; to campaigning for recognition of the troops who served and died in the Suez Crisis, which, as above, he was part of.    Recognition has at last been made to honour these men and women, and Acker was fundamental in getting this recognition in 2003.   His TV programme on this subject in 2002, narrated by Acker, was major in highlighting this lack of recognition, and the long awaited medals.

Acker's lifestyle is touring, recording and painting.    We try to talk Acker into an Art Exhibition, but he says he is not good enough.   On the sleeve of "As time Goes By" is an example of his painting   He loves walking in the countryside and is a true conservationist, but in case you thought he was no longer a fun loving guy - he assures me he still enjoys a 'dry sherry'  - dry sherry meaning good wine, champagne and scrumpy.

Acker's enthusiasm for painting helped him over a hard time from October 1999 to April 2000.   Acker was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to undergo radiotherapy.   His throat was so sore it was hard, almost impossible, for him to eat, but he did recover, and his quick recovery was through his willpower and the first class medical treatment he received.    All he could do over these months was walk a little, sleep and paint.

Although Acker will always be synonymous with the famous Bowler Hat and Waistcoat Acker is a very serious and dedicated musician, and exceptionally professional.     From Acker :   'I can't believe I actually get paid for doing what I love most in the World'    this Great Master of the Clarinet has a style which is unique.

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