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| © Sandra |
The Tyneside jazz scene has lost one of its most dedicated supporters. Dave Clarke died on Tuesday (September 2nd), leaving behind an inestimable contribution to the promotion of jazz in the region. A courteous, quiet man, for many years Dave worked diligently in a variety of administrative roles. Live Theatre, Jazz Cafe and Jazz North East, to name but three, Dave was instrumental in bringing jazz musicians - the famous and not so famous - to venues across Newcastle and Gateshead.
An occasional contributor to Bebop Spoken Here (writing concert reviews from Ronnie Scott's to the San Francisco Jazz Center), Dave's enthusiasm for the music shone through. Please permit me a personal memory, from 2009. The Bridge Hotel, a Jazz North East free jazz gig. Afterwards, enjoying a pint with Dave and sundry others, the conversation turned to early jazz experiences. Dave recounted the time, as a young jazz fan, hitching with a friend from Nottingham to Skegness to hear...Acker Bilk! Cue hoots of laughter from the 'free jazz' fans in his company. Unabashed, Dave stood his ground.
Newcastle International Jazz Festival concerts and many bread and butter jazz gigs featured prominently in Live Theatre's schedules, the Jazz Cafe booked musicians from across the spectrum, and Jazz North East's renowned concert promotions had one thing in common - at the heart of them all was Dave Clarke.
In recent years Dave embarked upon a research project to document all of Live Theatre's many jazz concert promotions. From the archives in Newcastle City Library, Dave would occasionally email or telephone, seeking information about a long-forgotten gig on Broad Chare. There's dedication for you.
In 2013, as the Jazz Cafe was about to reopen following a major refurbishment, Dave was at pains to point out: My role in the operation is solely the programming of bands...This was somewhat self-effacing, as Mike Tilley, the proprietor, said today: Dave was essential to the success of Live Theatre, and his knowledgeable enthusiasm enabled us to relaunch the Jazz Cafe 12 years ago and get it on the map as a well respected live music venue after Keith Crombie passed away. The North East's strong presence in the jazz scene owes a debt to a quiet and perceptive gentle man.
Russell
(The abovephoto, taken by Sandra Watt, shows Dave and Pam @ Cheeseburn Grange Sculpture Park.)
2 comments :
Although not unexpected I was deeply saddened to learn of Dave's passing. It was only a few months ago, at one of the Lit and Phil lunchtime concerts, that Dave and I were discussing the merits (and demerits) of our respective motor insurance policies which is now totally irrelevant. Pam and Dave were a tower of strength when I suffered my own personal loss which was much appreciated.
My thoughts, and all of those at BSH who knew Dave are very much united in offering our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Pam and family. May he Rest In Peace.
Sad to hear about Dave, he was a lovely guy. My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Stu Collingwood
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