大象传媒

Stephen Duffy presents Jazz House with the best of Jazz on CD and a profile of British Drummer, Eric Delaney in the programme's Pocket Jazz Legend.

Eric was born in Acton, London. Aged 16, he won the Best Swing Drummer award and later joined the Bert Ambrose Octet which featured George Shearing on piano. During 1947-54 he appeared with the Geraldo Orchestra and filled his time with regular session work in recording studios and on film, TV and radio. In 1954 he formed his own band and later signed with the new Pye Records label. He made three Royal Variety Show appearances, the first in 1956.

Delaney specialised in up-tempo dance hall music, often carrying a rock n' roll label but closer in spirit to that of Geraldo and Joe Loss. As with many similar artists, the music he performed became less popular after The Beatles entered the musical scene. He remained active touring in the UK, notably in holiday resorts and secure a few summer seasons at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Although best known as a jazz drummer, Delaney was a multi-percussionist. As well as the drums he played xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani, military side drum, tubular bells, a variety of Chinese gongs and famous for his Double Bass Drum features.

His Theme Tune 'Oranges and Lemons' will be features on "The Jazz House" Pocket Legend.