In Sadness: Geri Allen (1957 - 2017)

The jazz world suffered a huge loss this week after the passing of renowned pianist and innovator Geri Allen. She was 60.

Her career is an exceptional record of an artist deeply rooted in her culture, heritage and the power of music to make powerful statements. Moving to NYC in the 80s, she worked with Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Tony, as well as being one of the first pianists since the 50s to record with Ornette Coleman.

A celebrated educator and academic, she worked for a decade at the University of Michigan and was director of the Jazz programme at the University of Pittsburgh. She also set up an All Female Jazz Residency designed to support young musicians in their teens grow and push their music forward.

For more information, read the New York Times' obituary.

In Sadness: Bootleg Eric

Sad news from Chris De Saram as a much loved member of the Wakefield Jazz team, Bootleg Eric, passed away on May 8th.

From Chris De Saram

It is with sadness that we announce the death of our Bootleg Eric (Eric Parkin), on the morning of 8th May 2017, after a short illness. He attended his last gig at Wakefield Jazz last Friday, but left at the start of the interval, not knowing that he had won his last raffle prize!

"Bootleg Eric"was the name given to him by drummer Clark Tracey - he had been in charge of the sound at the club since 1988 and had a massive archive of recorded performances.

It won’t be the same without him but I guess his legacy will live on through his bootleg recordings at the jazz archive that he made of all the visiting performers at the club

We are dedicating the 30th anniversary festival to Eric, and welcome any thoughts on how we can fully celebrate his life.

In Sadness: Adam Warne

It is with sadness that we report that Adam Warne, percussionist with Unfurl, passed away last week.

Adam had over 25 years experience playing percussion and in Unfurl, his focus was on Egyptian percussion including the riq and darbouka.

Unfurl were scheduled to perform at The Lescar on May 3rd and today, Jez Matthews posted this message -

Some very sad news. We’re sorry to have to let you know that Adam Warne, much loved and respected percussionist with Unfurl, passed away last week.

As a result the double bill of Unfurl with the Sheffield Indian Music Ensemble on 3rd May is cancelled.

We’re thinking about Adam's family and friends, and of course all the guys in Unfurl and the Sheffield Indian Music Ensemble.

We will keep you posted as soon as we have confirmed a replacement band for 3rd May.

Hoping that you all have a lovely holiday weekend, with family, friends, food, drink and music.

As Jez says, our thoughts are with Adam's friends and family.