Born in 1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker (composition), and divided a busy career between composing, teaching, and performing.
A prolific composer and arranger, Tony’s original compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne Syncopations and Wainwright’s Ways for brass quintet, Celebration Fanfare for brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic Requiem, and many works for string orchestra.
Tony’s music for young bassists is very much at the heart of the teaching repertoire, particularly his jazzy and enjoyable bass trios and quartets, and he had the rare ability to create wonderful music which is always player and audience-friendly.
In 2001 Tony Osborne was elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering and important work for double bass and was a featured composer at Bass-Fest for over ten years.
He was a very successful BIBF Composer-in-residence in 2002-3, was a judge for the British Composer Awards and a judge for the BIBF Composition Competition from 1999 until 2015.
Tony Osborne died on 30 March 2019 at the age of 71.
A Jungle Jamboree features 23 short and engaging unaccompanied pieces for the beginner bassist. Mostly in First Position, with a few forays into Half and…
A Jungle Jamboree features 23 short and engaging unaccompanied pieces for the beginner bassist. Mostly in First Position, with a few forays into Half and Second Position, each piece offers effective and accessible musical or technical challenges.
Lively, melodic and rhythmic the pieces can be used to supplement other beginner, Repertoire, and feature a number of keys and simple rhythmic patterns. The catchy titles are aimed at the younger bassist and the pieces can also be used for technical or sight-reading practice.
Some pieces can be played an octave higher by more advanced bassists who are venturing into low thumb position.
“…a delightful collection of short, simple tunes guaranteed to set the bass student on a sure path.” [Stringendo/Australian String Teacher’s Association]
