Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Andy Hamilton R.I.P



Sad news during the weekend about the death of legendary jazz saxophonist Andy Hamilton who played in my home patch of Bearwood every week for a gazillion years. On top of acting as Errol Flynn's musical arranger, promoting gigs in Birmingham (including giving Steel Pulse an early break), setting up a community music group and recovering from a diabetic coma in 1986 he went on to record his first album at the tender young age of 76, making it the biggest selling jazz release of the year. He continued to play and inspire other musicians right up to the end and is no doubt carrying on in that great gig in the sky. RIP.

2 comments:

Annie said...

He was a good age I suppose, but it's still sad to hear. I had the privilege of seeing him play live, and I have the Silvershine album on vinyl from back in the day. I hope the band will continue on.

The Baron said...

It was a grand old age! I was lucky enough to see him a few times too. I'm sure the band will carry on, it's what he would've wanted. I reckon there should be a tribute gig in Bearwood too. Maybe in aid of his community music project...