THE veteran Islington-born saxophonist and flautist, Stan Sulzmann, is 75 this year, so the reappearance of one of his most powerful albums, On Loan with Gratitude, is both apt and timely.

His father was a semi-pro accordionist/pianist, playing on pub outings and parties. “His day job was as a clerk for London Brick Company,” says Sulzmann, “while my mum worked in the east London rag trade: hardworking and working class.”

Around 1952 they moved to the huge new council estate, Harold Hill near Romford. “It seemed like paradise for me, living opposite green fields after City Road in Islington. One car (an old black Morris) on the road and big gangs of children playing outside all day. It was bad for my parents though, who were suddenly completely cut off from their extended family in inner London. My mum had severe depression and a breakdown.