Desmond Scott writes: I was privileged to witness an example of the ad lib wit of Humphrey Lyttelton (obituary, April 28 ) a couple of years ago, when his band were performing at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The band was nearing the end of an atmospheric blues, and Alan Barnes, on alto sax, was engrossed in a wonderful melodic solo when my companion took out his handkerchief and gave one loud blow of his nose. Alan Barnes momentarily hesitated but managed to continue. At the end of the number Humph acknowledged the applause, praising Alan for his magnificent solo. Then, turning in the direction of the offending interruption, he said with a disarming smile: “Of course we always welcome audience participation.” This immediately sparked another round of applause and laughter much to the embarrassment of my red-faced friend.

Laurence Vulliamy writes: Further to your obituary, I would just like to add that Humph was an extraordinarily generous and kind man.

As a rookie BBC producer in 1983 I approached Humph to do a one-hour jazz concert for BBC Two. Humph at 35, but Looking Older — to mark his 35 years on the road — was to be my first solo outside broadcast recording, and he knew it, but he never showed anything but support and kindness. I was rather in awe of him, as I had been brought up on a regular diet of jazz, and he recognised that and kept on prodding me gently about fundamental issues such as overall timings and the running order, rather than show any form of impatience or lack of confidence in me.

Even on the recording day, when I was sick with nerves after the camera rehearsal in the afternoon, he bought me a small whisky and encouraged me just to enjoy it all. The show went with a huge swing that evening and was a resounding success.

Later I was to produce a 75th birthday tribute programme to Nat Gonella, the great English dance band leader, whose signature tune was Tiger Rag. I rang Humph and suggested something really silly, but Humph was so delighted to be part of that evening, that he readily agreed to come on from back stage dressed as a tiger — as a complete surprise to Nat. It was a great finale, although I did wonder for a split second if Nat would survive the shock. He did and was thrilled that Humph had honoured him.

Simon Pery writes: After the sad loss of the late Willie Rushton and now Humph, the real wit in humour is left to a small but gallant few. My father was a fellow Grenadier at Pirbright and recalled how Reveille had never sounded so uprising when blown by Ensign Lyttelton. Whatever happened to his cartoons showing how not to wear a beret newly issued to the Guards Armoured Division?

This lovely man will be sorely missed for his seemingly enduring good humour and blowability.

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