One of the big names in UK Jazz Neil Ardley was offered the leadership of the seminal New Jazz Orchestra in 1964. Under his direction the Orchestra moved though different styles and changes of personnel bringing in musicians such as Mike Gibbs (trombone) Harry Beckett andHenry Lowther (trumpets) or even Jack Bruce (bass) some of them also contributed with the writing of some original compositions making the NJO the root from which the UK's 70's jazz scene was to blossom.