Not a stranger to our shore

ACKER Bilk celebrated his 80th birthday this year doing what he loves best — playing the clarinet with Paramount Jazz Band.

Having toured the world for nearly 60 years you could understand if Acker declared he was retiring but his love of music and performing means he cannot stop.

It's good news for his fans in Exmouth, because it means they get to see the legendary jazz musician make a return visit to Exmouth Pavilion tonight.

His remarkable talent was recognised in 2001 when he received an MBE for his services to the music industry.

He has been awarded the BBC Jazz Award for his unique contribution to jazz in the UK, and has an honorary master of arts degree from the University of Bristol.

Acker, born Bernard Bilk, has come a long way from his beginnings in Somerset. The name Acker is Somerset slang for friend or mate and was a nickname given to him at an early age.

Before becoming a musician he worked in a tobacco factory and dabbled in boxing. He started playing the clarinet while serving in the Royal Engineers in the Suez Canal Zone and by the mid-1950s was playing professionally.

He was part of the boom in traditional jazz that swept the UK in the late 1950s. He joined Ken Colyer's band in 1954, then formed his own ensemble, The Paramount Jazz Band, in 1956.

In 1961, Acker recorded Stranger on the Shore. It was the first recording to be number one simultaneously in the UK and USA charts.

Acker, now in his 80s, has received many awards, including platinum and gold discs for his hits, including Aria and Stranger On the Shore. Tickets for his show in Exmouth, starting at 7.30pm, cost £17. Details: 01395 222477.