Brian Ebbatson died today (Friday 19 July). Brian was a keen supporter of the regional jazz scene, helping out at various venues and events. A member of the Lit & Phil in Newcastle, Brian and his wife Linda, could often be found serving teas and coffees, arranging seating, writing programme notes for the monthly lunchtime jazz concert series and much more.
The Gala in Durham similarly benefitted from Brian's selfless work behind the scenes. Quietly spoken, Brian became a familiar face at the Gala with his informative Friday lunchtime concert introductions. Over the years, Brian introduced countless musicians to Gala audiences, including two who were particularly close to his heart - Paul Edis and Jo Harrop. Brian was also an ever-present figure at the Ushaw Jazz Festival, working tirelessly behind the scenes. A true friend to many on the jazz scene, Brian Ebbatson will be sorely missed. Russell
2 comments :
I first met Brian Ebbatson in 2011 at a public meeting (at the Lit and Phil in Newcastle) to discuss the future of Jazz in the North East. I made some input to the meeting during the course of the discussion about supporting local musicians, and afterwards Brian approached me full of enthusiasm. He was a lifelong jazz fan, and an amazing advocate for the arts and culture in the North East.
In the years since I met Brian, he encouraged me to establish the lunchtime jazz series at the Lit and Phil - frequently helping alongside his wife Linda to serve drinks from the coffee hatch as well as producing the programmes. He also helped establish the lunchtime gigs at the Gala in Durham in 2014. Here again, he helped by designing and printing the programmes, selling artists CDs, greeting the audience and even introducing the bands. Despite his ill health in recent months, he was determined to continue producing the programmes and attended as many gigs as he could manage.
In 2016 I was asked to organise the first Ushaw Jazz Festival. I realised if I could enlist the help of some local Jazz enthusiasts (and all round good eggs) it would be a big help in spreading the word about the festival, in helping to find the best ways to make it a success and to stop me getting overwhelmed in the process. Brian was one of the first people I thought of. As on every other occasion, he immediately said yes and was happy to be of service to the cause.
It’s been a real privilege to have known him and to have worked alongside him over the years. We ended up talking not only about music (including the time he saw the Thelonious Monk Quartet perform at Dunelm House as a student!) but about so many other things besides. He was a proud father and grandfather. He was passionate about social justice and believed in the benefit of culture for all. He believed in it so much that he actually made it happen. The North East jazz scene wouldn’t be what it is today without Brian’s influence, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not met him.
Rest in peace.
Beautiful words and memories spoken from the heart.
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