CHRIS YATES - The Saddest Day.

This is probably one of the saddest postings I've ever had to make but the news, just received, that Jazz North East Supremo Chris Yates has died of a massive heart attack on SATURDAY evening is just that.

I doubt if there is anyone in the jazz fraternity both local and national who didn't know Chris.

Chris Yates' involvement with the music he loved can be traced back to his younger days in Hull and Scarborough then in Newcastle. That journey is beautifully described in his recently published book of reminiscences "Blue Horizons".

Chris wasn't just a part of Jazz North East he WAS Jazz North East and I know that none of the fellow members of that fine organisation would dispute it.

In 1983 he asked me to become a part of that team and I did so for a number of years then, only this week, he welcomed me back to Jazz North East. Little did I know that that was the last contact I would ever have with him.

He was a gentle, rather beautiful person, whose dedication to jazz covered all genre from New Orleans to Free. Apart from "Blue Horizons" he was a regular writer and reviewer for a variety of Jazz Magazines including "Jazz UK" and "The Jazz Rag".

The recent "Gig of the Year" post on this site was instigated by Chris and, as he became more computer literate late in life, was a regular site visitor.

Chris was on his way to Gateshead for the Profound Sound Trio gig at Gateshead Old Town Hall on Thursday when he collapsed.

Despite the efforts of Stephen and the paramedics he died on Saturday evening.

I'm sure everyone will join with me in passing on our condolences to Laura, Stephen and Kate. Somehow, going to the Corner House is never going to be quite the same no matter who is performing.

Rest In Peace,

Lance.

PS: Chris died on Saturday not on Friday as I previously announced.