Brother of clarinetist Bill Skeat who passed away in 1999 Len Skeat was no stranger to the north east having appeared several times with Val Wiseman's Lady Sings the Blues show and, most memorably, in 2010 when, along with Digby Fairweather and Colin Oxley, he accompanied Daryl Sherman at both the Saville Exchange in North Shields and, the following night, at Trinity Church, Gosforth.
Needless to say his playing was impeccable and certainly met with Daryl's approval.
His career included stints with the Ted Heath Orchestra, Tommy Whittle, Kenny Baker, Eddie Thompson, the Pizza Express All-Stars, indeed anybody who was anybody on the British mainstream to modern scene as well as many visiting American greats.
One of the longtime paid up members of the jazz hierarchy he will be sadly missed.
Len Skeat died earlier today which wasn't the birthday present I wanted.
He was 84.
Rest In Peace - Sadly missed.
Lance
2 comments :
Wasn't Dominic Ashworth on guitar for the Saville Exchange and Trinity gigs? I'm sure it was - and they were both tremendous nights. I remember Len well - such a superb musician, and a really nice guy. Most of the band stayed with us after the gigs - Len was full of stories - and a really sweet person.
You are of course correct Patti it was indeed Dominic Ashworth. I was so bedazzled by Daryl that night I even confused Len with his brother Bill!
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