Messages page 3 - - Humphrey Lyttelton

Your messages and tributes

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Only just come to terms with his passing, sitting here watching the tribute on BBC4 I feel we have lost not only a great talent in Jazz but a comedy genius. A good friend in my darkest times, which have been many.

Paul Richards, 12/09/2008 22:21

The Greatest, Sadly Missed.

Roger Chatwin, 12/09/2008 09:39

It is only just today that I read of Humph's passing away. I won't forget him and continue listening his great arrangements and performances with all the good solist he always understood to have around him. I saw him first at a concert in Zurich in the late 50ties and again at a Jazz Band Ball also in Zurich in the 60ties. For me he was one of the very great in the international Jazz Scene

Marcel, 10/09/2008 21:28

I saw Humph at a recording of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue ten years ago. I was sitting on the third row of the stalls at the Alex in Birmingham. Next to me sat an elderly gent who was po faced throughout the entire first half of the show. He was the only man not to roar with delight and applaud when Humph made his way on to the stage giving an admirable impression of someone who didn't want to be there. He remained stony faced throughout Part Two - until Humph said those magic words "Mornington Crescent". Suddenly, he burst into a standing ovation, cheering and applauding, his hands raised high above his head. Humph looked genuinely startled and then a twinkle entered his eye and the smile that spread across his face as the rest of the theatre cheered was a memory to treasure. I will always treasure this memory. God bless you, Humph.

Tim, 09/09/2008 17:32

I've only just dicovered Humph's passing after 4 months, thats what comes of being a brit living down under. little did i know when i was listening to him in my car yesterday when i was in sydney but then that makes me realise all these great broadcasters & musicians never really leave us. I'm very grateful i got to meet him and shake him by the hand and thank him for all the joy he's given in listening to him, both with the music & the great fun on isihac. Thanks again Humph, a true great in british broadcasting. I can hear him now saying ' follow that willie! '...lol

Ian Neilson, 04/09/2008 12:00

I can't remember the firat time that I heard Humph's voice, but it became such a common sound to my ears that he almost became akin to one of my family's voices, he was that recognisable. In his assertion and timing he was perfect, delivering his lines and his own personal witticisms to maximum comic effect. I am just glad that I got the chance to see the great man in action at the Manchester visit of the ISIHAC 2008 Tour. It is a show that I will never forget, especially as just weeks later Humph was taken from us to serve his Higher Purpose in other worlds. I'm especially glad I got to hear a trumpet solo, this was a side that I knew about, but had never experienced and, despite his illness and breathlessness from the performance, Humph delivered a smashing recital. Thanks, you'll always be remembered fondly. Tristan

Tristan Robinson, 23/08/2008 00:56

Hi I meet mr lytteleon in edinburgh at the festival theatre i sadly didnt know much about his life or his jazz life wish i did.But i was still very happy to meet such a caring a wonderful gentleman who took time to chat and have phots i was lucky to have photo with him too. A moment i will never forget thank you humph.Rip hope to see you again one day and have enjoyable talk with you again.David meikle

David Meikle, 20/08/2008 19:24

I have just read that Humph was dead in the British Humanist Association Newsletter; I 'knew' him through I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. The news left me feeling quite numb. Of course, at 80+ I suspected that he would be the next of the 'clue'-team to go, after Willie Rushton (if I may put it so crudely). Though I love the underlying principle of jazz, I have never heard it played in a way to suit my particular musical tastes, I will have to go out and buy some of Humph's work, simply see if he can (could) play to the satisfaction of mine ears. I can't believe he's been gone for so long, and I only found out about it today, through BHA. I have several months of grieving and rememberance to make up for. I listen to 'clue' everynight on my ipod; now I shall have to do so, in the knowledge that the chairman is no more. :'-(

C.J. Wilton, 20/08/2008 15:53

One of the best and most vivid memories of early adulthood is accidentally tuning in to one of the first ISIHAC shows and being astounded, delighted and thrilled at this urbane, world-weary deadpan establishment-sounding man fronting a show of such idiotic hilarity that I could not believe it was real. The world instantly became a brighter place, and I am truly grateful that Humph's voice, wit, warmth, talent and intelligence were constant features for so long. I still can't believe that he has gone. He was one of a rare class; people who feel so familiar and dependable that you can't believe that you have never met them - somehow you expect them to drop in some evening for a drink. Now he never will, but he will never be forgotten by me or my adult children - and there are CDs and tapes galore for the grandchildren too. Thanks Humph

Roger De Wolf, 20/08/2008 12:19

I had the opportunity to first hear Humph at Barnes in 2004. What a treat! When I purchased Triple Exposure from him (I had asked him to suggest a recording which would give me a good idea of his music) he insisted on autographing the CD. I'm not typically interested in autographs, but I do treasure Humph's. I'm now enjoying the several recordings of his I've since purchased, as well as two of his BBC comedy recordings. What a splendid and talented gentleman.

Jack, 20/08/2008 05:36

I had the great privilige of seeing Humph at several venues but only got the chance to speak with him in Bexhill some years ago. He was a true "Gent" in every sense and I, along with all the jazz lovers of Bexhill, will miss his music, wit & charm. God bless you Humph.

Ian Seaman, 19/08/2008 19:44

Still thinking of you sunshine! Debs

Debbie Christian, 19/08/2008 16:14

Has there been a Memorial Service arranged for Humph

G Chant, 17/08/2008 22:36

I spent 25 years knocking about with Humph and the band. Humph's Trombonist / arranger, Pete Strange was my best friend in fact. The memories are unforgetable. When people like Humph pass on, it leaves a void that is unfillable. It's only when these exceptional people are no longer around, do you fully realise how great they were. RIP Humph', Pete, Paul Bridge, Mick Pyne and Bruce Turner. There must be a hell of a band out there somewhere! Barry. xxx

Barry Watson, 16/08/2008 22:12

caro humprey sulla bravura sei indiscutibile ma sulla simpatia ancora di più con affetto felice from (sicilia). mi piacerebbe avere quel solo trumpet che fai in "tin roof blues" saluti

Felice, 16/08/2008 16:04

Humph was the reason I first got interested in jazz way back in 1959. A friend and I listened to the album"Humph at the Conway" I have been a fan ever since. He was so authoritative on his subject, "Best of Jazz" was like a very enjoyable lesson in the history of jazz, his enthusiasm and knowledge was an inspiration to all jazz fans. Rest in Peace. Mike Hanson. Halifax.

Mike Hanson, 15/08/2008 09:55

In our music room, are two lovely cartoons from Humph. I will always remember him as a great musician and a unforgettable personality. We miss Him very much. To his family and all the friends our heartfelt sympathies. Chris & Lisa Mitchell from Switzerland

Lisa Mitchell, 14/08/2008 14:53

A man of great and mischievous humour, wonderful talent and a true gentleman. Still so sad he's gone

Sybil, 13/08/2008 01:47

Just to sum-up my Mum's comment below in a Humph-style joke, 'We bought 12 C.D.s of I'm Sorry, I Haven't a Clue, and we listened to them while we were driving down the French motorways...Listened to the sound of cracking plastic under the car tyres. No, I think the show is really great, and it'll be hard to continue without Humph. Who will be there to insult Colin Sell?

Ben Southall, 12/08/2008 15:56

We have just driven to the French Alps (and back) for our summer holidays (well, we did spend a week there in between the driving). The entire journey was only made possible thanks to past recordings of ISIHAC. Having purchased copious quantities, and to the delight of my 10 and 13yr old sons, we whiled away the hours - much to the consternation of passing foreign motorists who couldn't understand why we were laughing so much. So, bye Humph, gone but definitely not forgotten. Thank you.

Carol Southall, 12/08/2008 15:46