|
|
Berkhamsted Jazz Club
MICHAEL GARRICK (30th May 1933 – 11th
November 2011) We deeply regret
to announce the passing of our President Michael Garrick. He was taken ill at a gig on Monday 7th
November, and died in Harefield Hospital. David Hays,
promoter of Mike’s final gig, has written a most moving account that you can
find at: http://www.jazzjournal.co.uk/jazz-latest-news/345/mike-garrick-the-last-days
Berkhamsted Jazz
Club were honoured to have him as President and friend. He was unfailingly generous with his
advice and guidance to us, and rarely missed a concert. He was unstinting in his commitment to
jazz in general and to us in particular. Our thoughts are
with the members of his family. We have had
several messages, and hope everyone will feel welcome to add their own. Please send your message to bjazztickets@gmail.com “It was a great shock to learn the news about Michael Garrick. I realise I have been attending his gigs, in various formats, for over 47 years. He seemed indestructible - an unstoppable energy for all things good. We have a wonderful legacy of memories and recordings but it is still a massive loss for music in the UK as well as for his family and friends. And, very sadly, I will never get to hear his MJQ Celebration.” “Although we have been members for only a few years and haven't
attended that many concerts, we had seen Michael and appreciated him in
his President's role and knew how important he was to our society -
recognised within the jazz fraternity and a phenomenal source of information
on the whole jazz scene.” “After hearing the shocking and very sad news of Michael Garrick, I understand Gabriel Garrick will lead the band and the concerts still on. It will be a very difficult and emotional task for him, I can only wish him and Mike's family well. “ “Very shocked & saddened to hear about Michael Garrick, it
seemed that he would somehow carry on for ever! Such was his enthusiasm and personality. A great loss to BJC and the jazz
world in general also condolences to his family.” “We are very sorry to hear the sad news of Michael Garrick's passing away.” “Oh dear oh dear, this is terrible news!” “Do we have any details about a memorial
service or other form of celebration of his life? …. I did speak to
Michael briefly on the 5th after the concert. I did not think he looked well then and over the last couple of
years often hinted that all was not well with his health, when coming to
'my' shop or meeting him in the town.” “I was so sad to hear of
Michael Garrick's death - I spoke to him after the concert for Dennis Newman
- asking him various questions which he answered with great patience - may he
rest hearing all his favourite jazz music” “Unlike some, Mike never lost his
creativity and enthusiasm. Would
anyone else have happily agreed – as if it were the easiest thing in the
world – to knock out a dozen arrangements of songs chosen by Committee
members for the Christmas concert? It
was a great pleasure and privilege to be able to say we knew Michael.” “Hearing the shock news of
Michael's sudden death prompted me into action and we have just had a long
chat with Howard. To our thanks for Dennis' Memorial Concert we therefore
sadly now add our condolences to Gabriel, Christian, Matthias and all of
Michaels family, and to everyone at Berkhamsted Jazz, who must be very much
part of his extended family. Our best wishes to all concerned.” “Thank you for the notice. We are very
sorry indeed to hear about Michael's death and as you say he will be much
missed. What a legacy he leaves in terms of all those who have been
helped and inspired by him and the many recordings.” “So sad ….” Johnny Taylor, who
played with Michael more than fifty years ago, has sent some thoughts: I had re-established contact with Mike at
the beginning of the year and had invited him to Vilnius where I have an
apartment. He seemed very anxious to come
... I even went so far as to buy a
keyboard to have in the apartment as I knew Mike could not be without a
keyboard for more than a few hours. I had plans to pay Mike and Jeremy Robson
a surprise visit to the 50th anniversary of Jazz and Poetry which was to be
held in Golders Green on the 10th. By fate, my passport had run out –
actually sent for renewal and had not arrived .... So renewed plans
were to come to the concert in Berkhamsted just before Christmas. My oldest schoolmate (pre-school actually)
from the age of 4 lives just up the road from Mike. It was him who informed
me of the sad news. So, Mike, you made your mark - one that
will be remembered, not just in the music but also in the enthusiasm you
imparted to others - just look at the comments from the academy
participants. Your MBE was well
deserved and a recognition of this. I
am afraid I will have to leave it to others to carry on your work -
educating, inspiring, encouraging.
But I have no doubt that many will be interested in doing this. A footnote from Johnny: About twelve years ago I used to play
piano in a local jazz pub, and who should walk in but Shake Keane. He was together with a famous TV
presenter. Apparently they were both trainees at the BBC many years ago and
became staunch friends. Of course,
Shake had his flugelhorn with him and it was fantastic evening. We had a good chat about the Jazz &
Poetry days and agreed to meet again a few days later before Shake returned
to NY. A friend took a photo. This turned out to be the last one ever
taken of Shake as a couple of days later he was rushed to hospital. I drove there as soon as I heard, only to
be informed that he had died during the night. How sad. ……… We are firmly
established as one of the premier jazz venues in the South East of England,
attracting the best of musical talent from a wide area. To celebrate our longevity we will be
holding a one-day 30th Anniversary Festival on Sunday 4th
March – click on the link for details. We frequently have
full houses for our events so it is worthwhile to book early. We welcome all
ages, with concessionary prices for members, children, and students. Our membership is
stable at about 300. Over the years
we have welcomed over 1500 jazz lovers as members! ……… Our belief is that
jazz is for enjoyment and we wish to encourage listeners to all the different
elements that jazz comprises. We are neither a ‘Traditional Jazz’ club, nor a
‘Modern Jazz’ club; we try to include as many facets of jazz as possible in
our programme. Please note that,
as we book artistes as much as 18 months ahead, the programme may be subject
to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Our website at www.berkhamstedjazz.co.uk is kept up to date and will incorporate
any changes made since the programme was announced. You are welcome to visit our president, Michael Garrick’s, jazz
education website www.jazzacademy.co.uk
You will find many full biographies at www.jazzscript.co.uk ………
Berkhamsted Jazz acknowledges financial assistance from: Berkhamsted Arts Trust Dacorum Borough Council ……… The Yamaha piano used at our concerts is tuned and maintained by
Juniper Pianos (est. 1948). For
all tuning, repairs, sales, and removals: Phone: 0800-458-4012 Email: dan@juniperpianos.co.uk Website: http://www.juniperpianos.co.uk |
|
