miscellaneous

RIP Richard Turner

Richard Turner
Photo credit: Guy Hatton
We are hearing shocking, tragic news. The trumpeter Richard Turner died yesterday as a result of a sudden seizure.

Richard started the gig at the Con Cellar Bar in Camden and ran it for nearly four years, welcoming great musicians:  Fly (Mark Turner, Jeff Ballard, Larry Grenadier), Donny McCaslan, Ingrid Jensen, Will Vinson,  Joel Frahm, Julian Siegel, Phil Robson, Gwilym Simcock, Kit Downes, The Calum Gourlay- Freddy Gavita Big Band, Matt Penman….down those narrow stairs. He also led the band Round Trip, whose debut album Chris Parker reviewed for us.

This is a tragic loss to those close to Richard, and deepest sympathies go to them. For the rest of us, Richard’s contribution to the London music scene has been immense, can only be responded to with huge gratitude, and will be irreplaceable.

UPDATE: See the tribute on Jack Davies’ blog.  The obituary written by Nick Smart on the Royal Academy of Music website. The Remembering Richard Turner Facebook page, set up by Josh Morrison and George Crowley. Tribute by Andy Robson on the Jazzwise website

UPDATE 2: Richard’s brother Andy posted this on Facebook.  As you all know, my bro died last week. Reading all these amazing stories, memories and tributes is truly overwhelming for me and my mum. Some make us cry with laughter which is great. We found out today that Rich died from a ruptured aortic aneurysm whilst swimming. We’ve been assured that he didn’t suffer at all. This could have happened at any time and was not at all related to him swimming. There was nothing that anybody could have done to prevent this from happening, however we would like to thank all the people who tried everything to help him especially the lifeguards at the Lido who should be proud of their efforts. Rich was in the best physical shape of his life (did you see his pecs?). He was also in the best place mentally that I have seen him in a very long time. My bro died happy doing something he loved and this is a comfort to us all. Further info will follow about arrangements etc and you will all be welcome to join us in Leeds to celebrate Richard’s life.

UPDATE Fri 19th . A news story in the Evening Standard
. And the Streatham Guardian has a news story. And a tribute on the website of St. Albans band Friendly Fires
UDATE August 25th. Josh Morrison has posted funeral details on Facebook

Funeral Details: Tuesday 30th August at 12:30.
There will be a service at:
St Matthew’s Church
Wood Lane
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 3QF

This will be followed by a gathering at Chapel Allerton Tennis Club, a very short walk from the church.

Wensley Avenue
Chapel Allerton
Leeds, West Yorkshire
LS7 3QX

Categories: miscellaneous

24 replies »

  1. Terrible loss – a fine young trumpeter and a tireless supporter of live music and musicians, taken from us far too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends.

  2. From Josh: There will be no music tonight, but the Jazz @ The Con Cellar Bar will go ahead in the form of a gathering for Rich from 8:30 onwards. RIP Richard Turner

  3. We are privileged to have an artistic community here in London that really looks out for each other, let this be a good time to show this. x

  4. I cannot believe this! Dear Richard – thank you for your music and support for the scene. It was areal pleasure to hear you play and we had some nice chats. Lots of love to your close friends and family – RIP

  5. Shocked by the news. I was at college at the same time as Richard and was always amazed by his flawless playing. A fantastic musician gone far too young. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.

  6. Rich was true to his friends, family and his thing Jazz. He was an honest, king, genuine and loved character. His music was what any great musican would want… an illustration of his experiences and abilities in a form that touched people. We love you Rich. MT x

  7. The amazingly talented musician/teacher/composer who was witty, funny, super intelligent and generally just a wonderful person to know..your gone way to soon, and we'l all miss you..and never forget you….R.I.P. Rich.. Nick W

  8. Dear Everyone,
    Richard was such a lovely person and a great force for good,always.
    Richard,you should have been at my funeral,this is nuts.
    Gerard

  9. Saw you play only once…but remember it, so good… My thoughts are with your'e family and friends..I am still reeling from the sudden death of my 21 year old son in March..so fully understand the shock, loss and pain you all feel….keep strong all of you…..
    Lyn Acton, Jazz singer

  10. Went to school with Richard…he was a lovely and very talented guy…such sad news, may he rest in peace xxx

  11. I didn't know Rich well, only got to hang with him 3 or 4 times during trips over to London, but he struck me as a really great guy who genuinely cared about the London music scene, and a fine musician to boot. Rest in peace, Rich. I know you are missed.

  12. God that's so very sad to hear! Lots of love and support to his family and friends. Such a talented guy and so young. Such a tragedy, I'm in shock! Love to those around him xx

  13. To Richards Family and Friends
    So sorry to hear the tragic news of your loss of Richard. For many years I and many others at Scotthall Lifesaving Club watched Richard grow into a confidence and lovely person, who was a fine musician.We will always remember your first Ireland trip.Those who die young stay forever young in our hearts Love Jo and Louise x x x

  14. how sad and tragic, rich you were an amazing person. we all send our sincere sympathies out to your family and friends. does anyone know the details of the wake/funeral? when/where?

  15. Richard taught trumpet at our school for a year. He was a really lovely, kind, interesting and immensely talented man. His pupils will be devastated, as indeed will the rest of the school.

  16. Richard was a fine musician but he had great chutzpah as well. I met him as part of Ornette Coleman's Meltdown festival and whilst none of us could get a ticket for the Ornette show for love nor money, the following morning Richard called me over, 'Look at this!' Sure enough, on his mobile phone there was a picture of Ornette Coleman with his arm round Richard (at the after show party!) Only Richard.

  17. Please come to the lido on Saturday 14th July and support Mike's tribute to Richard. Click on the link below. I didn't know Richard that well, he was in the same swimming club as me and was at the lido on the day he passed. Mike would love all to be there.

    http://tinyurl.com/ckln288

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