Tony Osborne writes: 'True Grit was written to mark the centenary of the birth of legendary Hollywood star, John Wayne (1907-1979), and is named after one of his most memorable, oscar-winning films. The slow-talking giant, nicknamed 'The Duke', played many roles that portrayed people in positions of trust and authority, and facing danger - solid, reliable and compassionate, but usually risking life and limb to uphold right and honour, with a rallying sense of purpose. The music seeks to reflect this mix of tense drama, fighting spirit, dignity and adventure.

The galloping opening takes us right into the dusty trails of the Wild West, which were familiar territory throughout his career. A confident theme spells out the driving nature of whatever kind of mission his characters took on. A more defiant and questioning section signified his more light-hearted and rousing moments. The themes return with more punchy rhythms and in different keys leading to a closing statement of the opening motif that charges relentlessly to close the piece back on the dusty trail.'

True Grit was premiered at St. John's Church, Horsington (Somerset) by David Heyes, Sarah Buckley, Kate Palmer and Kirstie Wilson, as part of the 2007 Wells Double Bass Weekend.

Tony Osborne is an important educationalist and prolific composer who has made a significant and unique contribution to the double bass repertoire over the past 35 years. His solo music for young bassists is included by many international examination boards, and his many ensembles pieces are performed at workshops and concerts throughout the world. Tony Osborne notes the influences of Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein, alongside some of the Russian masters, on his music, which he combines with a jazzy, rhythmic and energetic style that has been popular with players and audiences worldwide.

Born in 1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker (composition), and divides a busy career between composing, teaching and performing. A very prolific composer and arranger, Tony's original compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne Syncopations and Wainwright's Ways for brass quintet, Celebration Fanfare for brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic Requiem and many works for string orchestra.

In 2001 Tony Osborne was elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering and important work for double bass, and has been a featured composer at Bass-Fest for the past decade. He was a very successful BIBF Composer-in-residence in 2002-3 and wrote a number of impressive and innovative works for the project. He has been a judge for the British Composer Awards over the past few years and has been a judge for the BIBF Composition Competition since 1999. Recital Music held a concert of Tony Osborne's music in 2012, to celebrate the composer's 65th birthday, and has formulated a 10-year project to publish all his works for double bass.
www.tony-osborne.com