A trumpet’s fanfare, silent now, echoes in this spot. This is the Philip Jones Plaque. It marks the London home of a man who revolutionized brass music.
Philip Jones. The name might not ring a bell for everyone. But for brass musicians, it’s legendary. He was born in Bath in 1928. He died in 2000. This plaque commemorates where he lived from 1964 to 2000.
Jones wasn’t just a trumpeter. He was a visionary. He founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble in 1951. This ensemble wasn’t just another brass band. It was a game-changer.
The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble played in different sizes. Sometimes it was a ten-piece orchestra. Other times it was a quintet. No matter the size, their music was always exceptional.
Jones himself was a top-notch trumpeter. He played principal trumpet for six major London orchestras. These included the Royal Opera House Orchestra. He also played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
But his ensemble was his true passion. After 1971, he dedicated himself to it full-time. The group became internationally famous. They toured over 30 countries. They even found a large fanbase in Japan.
The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble’s repertoire was diverse. They played transcriptions of early music. Monteverdi and Gabrieli were some of their favorites. They also commissioned new works. Composers like Lutosławski wrote pieces for them. In total, they performed 87 world premieres.
Jones was known for his meticulous preparation. He personally lined up the music stands. This commitment was one reason for the ensemble’s success.
There’s even a funny story about Jones. In 1986, he accidentally ran over his trumpet case with his car. He took this as a sign. He decided to retire from concert performances.
After retiring, Jones continued to educate. He held posts at the Royal Northern College of Music. He was also Principal of Trinity College of Music. He received an OBE in 1977. He then received a CBE in 1986.
So, here at the Philip Jones Plaque, remember a pioneer. Remember a man who shaped the world of brass music. His legacy lives on. It echoes in every perfectly tuned note. It resonates in every brass ensemble around the globe.