John Chilton's 2004 book Who's Who of British Jazz summerises trumpeter Albert Hall's caeer. "Played in West London Silver Band from age six. Worked in Maurice Little's Band in Tottenham (1944) and with Johnny Brown's Band at Astoria Ballroom, London (1946). Briefly with Johnny Claes, then worked with Teddy Foster (1947) prior to a brief period in the Armed Forces. Again with Teddy Foster (spring 1948). Also worked with Les Ayling, Jack Jackson and Billy Ternent before joining Tito Burns from May 1948 until November 1950. With Cyril Stapleton (November 1950 to March 1951), then rejoined Tito Burns from April 1951 to September 1952. 'Radio work with Steve Race then briefly with Jack Parnell (September 1952 to November 1952) then with Geraldo from November 1952 to August 1954 (also worked with Dave Shand in May 1954). With Eric Delaney from September 1954 until March 1957. Briefly with Buddy Featherstonhaugh (spring 1957), and Kenny Baker, then freelance session work for radio, television and recordings. Often with Joe Loss in the 1960s and 1970s, and occasionally with Frank Weir, and Don Lusher's Big Band. Albert's brother Cliff is a professional pianist and organist'"

 

Albert (Arwyn) Hall was born in South Wales on September 21st, 1929 and died on January 3rd, 1980 in Greenford, Middlesex, England. Part of the sleeve notes from an album recorded by Albert read: "Albert is a quiet, modest fellow to talk to but when a trumpet or a flugelhorn is at his lips he really blows up a storm and this LP contains positive and conclusive proof of just how good he is. Actually the album is long overdue because Albert is one of that select number of top-class session musicians, unsung heroes without whose anonymous support our hit parade idols would get absolutely nowhere on record, radio and the box. Now Albert has at last stepped into the limelight with a truly Grand Slam of brass brilliance. "

 

"His musical aptitude was inherited from his father, a stalwart of brass bands in South Wales and London who started passing on his knowledge and ability to his son when Albert was 6 ½ years old. He had a very willing pupil because Albert can remember clearly awaiting the arrival home of his father from work and pestering him eagerly for the next trumpet lesson before Dad had a chance to get his coat off. Albert also learned violin and piano during his later spell at music college, but the trumpet was the instrument as far as he was concerned and he was determined to make a professional career with it...."

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Albert’s first professional engagement came when he was 14 in 1943 with Maurice Little’s band at the Tottenham Royal and he graduated into the ranks of the leading British big bands towards the end of their era.....'

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The musician Albert Hall is not generally remembered but members of his family and others have written to us about him. Albert's son, Stephen, corrected the spelling of Albert's middle name shown in some places as 'Alwyn' "

'I have read the  notes about my father with great interest. His middle name is Arwyn (not Alwyn). When I was a young boy much fun was made of his name because of the famous building (London's Albert Hall). I asked my grandmother why call him Albert? She replied when he was born in Llanelli, Wales, nobody in those parts had heard of the Albert Hall building so it seemed a reasonable name for the time. My father may not have been well known in jazz circles but he was widely regarded  by his peers as the best trumpet session musician in the country."