‘We got hate mail after the Proms!’ The towering visions of UK jazz legend Mike Westbrook

At 89, Mike Westbrook remains a towering figure in the jazz world, reflecting on a career that spans over six decades. From his serene cottage by the sea in Devon, he recalls his groundbreaking achievements, including being the first jazz artist to perform at the BBC Proms, a milestone that sparked both acclaim and controversy, as evidenced by the hate mail he received afterward. His music, characterized by its cinematic quality and genre-bending style, invites listeners into a vibrant, circus-like atmosphere filled with brass fanfares and free improvisation. Westbrook's collaborations with notable figures like Laurence Olivier and the avant-rock band Henry Cow, which led to the formation of the Orckestra, showcase his innovative spirit. Even now, he continues to compose, learn church bells, and experiment with AI, demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and music as a whole, ensuring that his legacy will resonate for years to come.