ONE of the world’s most famous jazz musicians, Acker Bilk, will be celebrating his 80th birthday by playing at Eastleigh’s Concorde Club.

With his trademark bowler hat and waistcoat, the master of the clarinet soared to global musical fame with Stranger On The Shore in the early 60s.

It stayed in the charts for 55 weeks and was the first No 1 hit at the same time in the UK and the USA.

Seven years ago, Acker was honoured with an MBE for his services to the music industry.

The popular musician will be marking his 80th birthday by taking centrestage with his Paramount Jazz Band at the Stoneham Lane club on Wednesday, January 28.

Acker was part of the boom in traditional jazz that swept the Britain in the late 1950s and 1960s.

He first joined Ken Colyer’s band in 1954 and then formed his own ensemble, The Paramount Jazz Band.

As keen today as when he first started, Acker says: “I can’t believe I actually get paid for doing what I love most in the world.”

The Concorde’s managing director Cole Mathieson says: “I am delighted to be welcoming back this much-loved jazz icon to the Concorde.

“I feel very honoured that Acker will be playing here on such a milestone birthday.

“Acker has not played here with his band since the 70s. His return is long overdue!”

To book tickets, call 023 8061 3989 or visit theconcordeclub.com.