YORK music of yesteryear can now be enjoyed all over again.

York Oral History Society's music project last year resulted in two books, an exhibition, and tapes of interviews with many people involved in the city's music scene, together with over 1,700 photographs.

The collection is available to the public at York City Archives, and is also now being put onto database. Copies of photographs can be ordered. Anyone wishing to look at the collection should book in advance.

Additionally, the society has produced an hour-long video of the music project launch last November, which features several York bands playing music of the dance band era and the 1950s and 60s.

Society members are also producing a CD to accompany the first book, Rhythm and Romance, which covers the period 1930s to 1950s. It will feature some of the music of the dance band era played by York musicians, together with a few extracts of spoken musical memories to complement the music.

The limited edition CD will be launched later this month, priced £5.99. It will feature the Rialtonians, and Jack Bartley's Royal Crescent Dance Band from the pre-war era. Then post-war, the Trumpet Twins - Brian and Trevor Bousfield, Bob Brown, Gordon Cottom, Derek Dunning, Bobby Hirst, Bert Keech, the George Roberts Trio, and the Modernaires.

If you have access to any other music which you feel should be included, please contact the society as soon as possible.

Recordings on 78 rpm records, audio cassettes and certain reel to reel tapes can be used.

A second CD next year featuring the music from the 1960s may be produced next year.

For more information, or to order either the CD or the video, please contact the York Oral History Society c/o 15 Priory Street, York, Y01 6ET, or telephone on 01904 639703.

Updated: 10:54 Monday, October 06, 2003