LondonJazz readers have been in touch to tell me about the deaths on the same day, March 22nd, of two stalwarts of the British jazz scene, both of whom were born in 1931.
RIP Guitarist Diz Disley and bassist Kenny Baldock (1931-2010). Sympathies to family, friends and former colleagues.
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Very sad to hear the passing of Kenny Baldock. I spent many nights travelling with him in the front of George Melly's splitter truck in the '90's. Telling great tales of jazz excess, from the 50's & 60's, inbetween chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge kyo, and keeping me awake on late night drives home into London. i was tour manager, sound engineer and driver for the Feetwarmers for a time. He was a real laugh, although he would make Melly mad, they all called him Goddo!I saved their lives crashing the bus on the M11 on the way to Bury St. Edmunds. Narrowly avoiding an out of control white Transit van heading straight for us. The band were all rudely awakened from the floor of the bus where they'd been dumped, and sadly I lost my job! No justice, very fond memories of the time.
Steve Arlene
pulfrd.steve@gmail.com
Sad news indeed… I got to know Ken in the early 2000's…. Great bassist, and very funny guy!
Sorry to hear you lost your job Steve for doing the right thing! – On your way to Bury St. Edmunds? – Must have been a gig at The Sword In Hand by the sounds of it – Oh happy days!!!
It was the Bury St Edmond’s Theatre Royal I think. The gig went ahead!