Thank you to Peter Vacher for forwarding this message from Randy Sandke:
Ken Vail, R.I.P.
I’m very sad to report that Ken Vail died at his home near Cambridge, England today from bone cancer. Many of you may know Ken through his jazz books, such as the “Diary” series of Dizzy, Bird, Duke Ellington and others. Those fortunate to have known him personally will remember him as soft-spoken, fiercely intelligent, and a dear friend to anyone who shared his many interests. Ken was a fixture on many a jazz cruise. He was also a wonderful artist who illustrated and designed many of his books. I first met Ken when he was booking musicians for a concert series in Cambridge. I, and his many friends, will miss him dearly.
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I first met Ken at the London IAJRC convention in 1992(?) and more recently I have had great reason to be thankful to him : His contribution to The Duke Ellington Society of the UK (DESUK)in recent years has been enormous. Working with Roger Boyes, editor of our quarterly journal “Blue Light”, he used his graphic design skills to re-vamp the publication. Roger is away this week but doubtless will wish to make his own comments here when he returns next week.
Peter Caswell, Chairman, DESUK.