UPDATE 24th February: John Fordham’s sensitive Guardian Obituary is published today
Drummer Tony Levin died earlier today, a few days after his seventy-first birthday, and after a battle with lymph cancer. Peter Bacon’s JazzBreakfast site has a recorded interview. Levin had carried on working regularly, and inspiring students in the Midlands until shortly before his death. RIP and sympathies to family and friends.
Wikipedia biography
Photo credit: Russ Escritt
Liam Noble has offered this touching tribute
UPDATE: TONY LEVIN’S FUNERAL IS ON FEB 22nd – MORE DETAILS ON REQUEST
Categories: miscellaneous
what a great loss to everyone, an amazing person and musician.
Just heard of Tony’s passing from Ali Hurand in Germany. I have had the pleasure of knowing Tony for over 25+ years and could not ask for a nicer man as a friend in music. Fabulous, inspiring and improvisational drummer who has contributed so much to the development of Jazz in the UK on an art level and with grass roots.
He played at my old venue The Albert in Bristol many times and especially remembered with Mujician (Keith, Paul D & Paul R). Great to have him play at Jazz@ Future Inns as recently as Oct’o9 with Ali & The European Jazz Quintet.
On behalf of all who knew and loved Tony in Bristol, I pass on our best wishes to his wife, Chris and family and all the musicians he played with over the years.
Cheers Tony and thanks mate!
Ian Storror
storror.albertjazz@talk21.com
I would like to pay my respects in person and would be grateful to anyone who can keep me appraised of funeral arrangements.