RIP Peter Skellern (March 14, 1947 - February 17, 2017)

Peter Skellern died today (February 17).

He was 69.

I was very saddened. His cool, 1930's style was unique in one so young as he was at the time when I first encountered him at Newcastle City Hall where he was the support artist for George Melly/John Chilton. Chalk and cheese you might think except they had one thing in common - the ability to recognise and stamp their own identity on a good song.

The singer/pianist/songwriter, Skellern, won over any of the skeptics who'd come for Melly and the next day, I bought an LP and a couple of singles. Later, I acquired a couple of CDs incorporating many of the titles on the LP as well as some originals.

The LP was a tribute to Fred Astaire and he had that easy relaxed style of Fred's. Astaire may have been a better dancer but he wasn't a better pianist!, Like so many of Skellern's discs he's accompanied by the Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band, an ethereal choir and, of course, his own distinctive piano playing.

The singles; his hit - You're a Lady and a delightful version of Love is the Sweetest Thing with shades of Noel Coward/Al Bowlly/Denny Dennis (ask your grandmother) in his voice.

I hadn't realised until now that he'd joined the clergy last year - I'd like to have been at one of his choir practices.

Not a name heard in jazz circles very often but for quality popular music, he was the tops.

Very sadly missed. A class act - may he rest in peace.

Obituary.

Lance.
PS: Check out Sweet Words.