R.I.P. Kenny Kirsopp (1962 - Jan. 19, 2025)

Last night I was told that north east sax player Kenny Kirsopp was seriously ill. I was shocked then and, when I learned this afternoon that he'd actually died last night (Jan. 19), I was completely stunned.

Although I knew his parents well (family friends and, like my parents, members of Hebburn Amateur Operatic Society) it wasn't until Kenny enrolled at Newcastle's prestigious College of Arts and Technology (CAT) that I really got to know him, mainly from when he came into J.G. Windows buying reeds and various other sax accessories.

I watched his progress over the years as he advanced from local jam sessions to becoming somewhat of a name on South Tyneside as Kenny The Sax as well as playing with various rock/blues bands.

I lost touch with him for some years but caught up with him again in 2011 at the Sunday lunchtime blues session at Gateshead's Central Bar where he often appeared blowing wild tenor and alto with The Skywalkers (see photo at top).   

In 2023 he was a member of General Mojo and made a memorable appearance at the wake that followed the funeral of his long time musical associate Dave Weisser. The previous year he'd played at Dave's birthday party (see photo left).

So many people will have so many memories of a man who was not only a great musician but a great character in an age when great characters in jazz are becoming more and more rare.

Kenny Kirsopp will be sadly missed. Lance