Clarinetist and saxophonist Bob Wilber worked to keep classic swing and pre-bop jazz alive. A protégé of Sidney Bechet, Wilber developed his own distinctive sound, one he first showcased in the '40s with his Wildcats, and later on albums like 1960's Blowin' the Blues Away and 1974's Soprano Summit featuring Kenny Davern. He garnered the respect of veteran performers, working with Wild Bill Davison, Muggsy Spanier, Pee Wee Russell, George Wettling, and others. He also supplied the soundtrack to Francis Ford Coppola's 1920s jazz drama The Cotton Club. He recorded regularly with other traditional jazz luminaries, releasing albums like 1977's Bob Wilbur and the Scott Hamilton Quartet and 2010's Bob Wilber Is Here! with Bucky Pizzarelli, Nicki Parrott, and Antti Sarpila. Based out of his adopted home of England, Wilber was active well into his eighties, appearing live at festivals before passing in 2019.