In the course of a career spanning from the early 50s through to the 70s, Alex Welsh led a series of world class mainstream bands, including the three lineups featured on this disc of rare BBC transcriptions, issued here for the first time. Welsh's bands always placed the music above any temptation towards overt showmanship and these recordings bear excellent testament to the leader's ethos. On a selection of favourites from the repertoire, ranging from a spritely "Louisiana" to Ellington's haunting "Creole Love Call", these three lineups demonstrate just why Welsh's bands were ahead of the pack. An added treat here is the dry wit of Humphrey Lyttelton's introductions, preserved from the original broadcasts.