Philip Jones Brass Ensemble

The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble was formed in 1951, and soon consisted of two basic formations: a quintet (two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba) and a ten-piece group for the larger concert halls in Germany, the USA and Japan. The ensemble, which disbanded in 1986, gained world renown. It made numerous recordings and gave many first performances of new or long-unheard works, and was widely emulated.

The PJBE was a leading force in establishing the brass quintet as a standard chamber ensemble in the UK, owing to the versatility and excellence of its individual members. Its success was partly supported by the revival of Renaissance and Baroque music during the period, coupled with Jones' championing of contemporary music. The Just Brass series, established during the 1970s and published by Chester Music, was a unique and important development in the dissemination of brass chamber music.

A detailed history of the PJBE can be found in Donna McDonald's The Odyssey of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (pub. Bulle Switzerland, Editions BIM; 1986). It includes lists of members of the ensemble.