The son of the world-renowned jazz pianist and composer Stan Tracey has paid tribute to his father who he described as a "veritable superman".

The 86-year-old from St Albans, who was dubbed the “Godfather of British jazz” passed on Friday.

Clark Tracey, a jazz drummer, said: "The worldwide tributes and messages that I have been receiving in the last three days have been overwhelming.

"Stan was clearly far greater respected globally than he ever gave himself credit for. He was a very self effacing individual, quite shy (unless prodded the wrong way), very witty and almost hermit like.

"When he was at the piano he became a veritable superman though, and until last June he was playing with as much verve and gusto as ever.

"His announcements, however, always revealed that introvert. I have had the pleasure of working with my father for half of his 70 years in music and the experience he's passed on has been invaluable and something for which I will be forever grateful.

"As a father he was as good as they can get. He loved both his children dearly and showed it. "My wife, Sylvia, has been an absolute rock throughout this difficult process and I'm thankful I didn't have to face this moment alone."

Tracey's funeral will be held at Golders Green Crematorium, West Chapel, on December 18 at 1pm.