Biography
Benjamin Baruch Ambrose (1896–1971), known professionally as Bert Ambrose, was an English bandleader and violinist born in London (though some sources mention Warsaw origins). He began his career as a violinist, moving to New York in his early 20s where he played with bands at Reisenweber's restaurant and the Palais Royal, eventually leading his own 15-piece band by age 20. In 1922, he returned to London to lead a seven-piece band at the Embassy Club, later moving to the May Fair Hotel in 1927, where his orchestra gained fame through BBC broadcasts and recordings for Brunswick, HMV, and Decca.[1][2][4]
Ambrose & His Orchestra became one of Britain's top dance bands in the 1930s, known for a polished style blending sweet ballads, swing, and Ellington-inspired jazz, featuring exceptional musicianship and arrangements by Sid Phillips. The band performed at prestigious venues like the May Fair and Ciro's Club (co-owned with Jack Harris), recorded hits like 'When Day Is Done,' and collaborated with songwriters Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Ambrose retired from performing in 1940 amid air raids but continued recording until 1947; several band members joined the RAF's Squadronaires. He later toured with the Ambrose Octet and managed artists.[1][2][3]
In the 1950s–1960s, rock and roll challenged his career, leading to small club gigs, but Ambrose revived through discovering and promoting singer Kathy Kirby, with whom he had a long personal relationship. His legacy endures as a pioneer of British big band swing, ranking with American counterparts, with prolific recordings capturing the era's dance music sophistication.[1][2][4]
Fun Facts
- Persuaded to return to London's Embassy Club in 1925 by a personal cable from the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII): 'The Embassy needs you. Come back—Edward'.[1]
- His band was the only British outfit considered on par with top American bands like those of Ellington, thanks to superb rehearsal and top musicians.[2]
- Married Kathryn Brady in 1924; retired to a Hertfordshire farm in 1940 due to air raids but continued recording remotely.[1][4]
- Holds the record for most frequent artist features in John Peel's 'Pig's Big 78' radio segment.[6]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Emil Coleman - Early employer and band he played for professionally in New York (Reisenweber's restaurant band) [1910s]
Key Collaborators
- Sid Phillips - Arranger and alto saxophonist providing key arrangements (Cotton Pickers’ Congregation and nine others on When Day Is Done compilation) [1928-1944]
- Ted Heath - Trombonist and key band member (Ambrose & His Orchestra recordings) [1930s]
- Danny Polo - American clarinetist and soloist (Various dance band recordings) [1928-1940s]
- Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart - Songwriters collaborated on recordings with Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce ("My Heart Stood Still") [late 1920s]
- Kathy Kirby - Singer he discovered and managed in long personal/professional relationship (Promoted her career) [mid-1950s-1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Squadronaires - Several Ambrose band members joined this RAF band during WWII (War-era performances) [1940s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ambrose & HIs Orchestra has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:10 | Broadway Rhythmfrom Swing is in the Air | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:07 | Deep Hendersonfrom Swing is in the Air | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |