Legend is an often exaggerated term when labelling the passing of someone and indeed can be, to say the very least, somewhat flattering.
Not so in the case of pianist, composer, bandleader Alan Glen who peacefully left us yesterday. In the annuls of north east jazz Alan was a legend's legend and probably the most complete musician to grace this neck of the woods.
Muscular problems effecting both wrists as well as his back curtailed his playing in recent years which must have been very frustrating for a man of his ability.
I have so many memories of hearing his wonderful, bebop inspired, interpretations of GASbook standards and modern jazz classics that I feel blessed to have heard them but, even more so to have known this quiet and unassuming gentleman.
In 2020, during Covid, BSH had the foresight to interview Alan, a transcript of which can be read below.
Alan, who left us on Dec. 16, will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his soulmate Sue.
R.I.P.
Lance
3 comments :
Sad, sad news. A great musician and a lovely man! RIP Alan
Sad news. I went to hear Alan's quintet several times at the Cooperage on the Quayside. Great band with some fine original compositions of his. Billy Golding on tenor sax, Terry Ellis guitar, Ray Truscott bass.
I was very sad hear the news he passed , and to think I wouldn’t hear him again.
I loved Alan’s playing , and asked him for a lesson once , he said “I could see you were listening , so I think I just gave you a lesson”.
I used to pop along to the cherry tree when he was on there with his various trios, it was wonderful to hear him on that rich toned but quirky piano ,whilst drinking very good wine (i so miss the cherry tree)
I loved the way he’d play tunes in, often with extended intro rubato passages a bit like Errol garner.
He had tremendous technique and virtuosity, and could blow my
Mind with his speed and dexterity , but I only heard him go into hyperspace when it served the music .
Lovely man
Tremendous musician , and having heard various stories from Ray Truscott ,Dave Weisser and Jude Murphy , a musical life well lived .
RIP Alan .
From Alan law
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