The Long Goodbye Part One.

This was both a joyous day and a sad one. Joyous, because of the wonderful music played and the many who turned out to celebrate Keith's life and contribution to the city's culture. Sad, because of the realisation that we would never meet his like again.

2pm, they were queuing to get in. Long before the eventual finish some seven hours later the bar had been drunk dry. Fortunately, the music remained on tap until the final Blue Monk from the Safe Sextet (7 of them on this occasion).

There was so much good jazz played that it ill becomes me to name a favourite, suffice to say we all had our own particular fave and I doubt if we'd all agree anyway! However, having said that, Thanks must be paid to Pete Gilligan and Lindsay Hannon who put it all together and worked tirelessly throughout the day.

So, a great big thanks  to everyone who made a crowded room very happy and honoured the memory of a  unique person.

And, remember, this was just the first set. The second set takes place a week tomorrow (January 14) after the funeral, in The Town Wall pub opposite the Jazz Café.
The above photo was taken by Kaveh Emami and show some of the many musicians and bar staff who worked at the Jazz Café over the years.

Lance.

PS: January 14, the horse drawn hearse leaves the Jazz Café at 9:30am prompt for the 10am service at St Thomas's Church in the Haymarket. After a family burial where Keith is laid to rest next to his parents, the wake takes place in the Town Walls Pub, Pink Lane.