In tonight's Shields Gazette the death is announced of Richard (Dick) Close. Dickie, as he was invariably known, was a fine pianist - not a jazzman but a capable club/lounge piano player. Dickie was 88.
I recall a gig I had at Hebburn Newtown Club in 1968. I'd booked Dickie for the gig but he put in a dep - his son Richie, then aged 15/16. The doorman wasn't even going to let him in the club - he had his music in his school satchel! When I discovered the situation I went berserk - until I heard him play!
In present day terms Richie was the Harley Johnson/James Harrison of his day. He went on to become accompanist for Tony Christie, and a much respected session musician, arranger and composer for ITV in Manchester.
Sadly Richie contracted Legionnaires Disease in Spain and died, aged 39, in 1992. I don't think his dad ever quite got over it.
As I type this I've just received the news that well known ex bandleader Bill Sowerby died last night aged 87. The trumpet player came north to work with the Don Smith band at The Oxford Galleries in Newcastle. Prior to that he was in the Ken Mackintosh band. Later he went on to lead his own bands on Tyneside and Teesside.
A well respected musician. Thank you Ray Harley for relaying the sad news.
Lance.
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