R.I.P. Bill Harper (1938 - June 2026)

Just received the sad news that pianist Bill Harper passed away a couple of days ago. Bill, who for many years was an integral part of the north east jazz scene, backed many visiting American names as Jazz North East's regular accompanist. He later moved to Brittany returning to the UK to live with his daughter Julie and her husband in Aberdeen after the death of his wife singer Anne DeVere.

Bill had a great sense of humour and I have a booklet of his limericks and his often humorous, sometimes hilarious, observations on jazz and its players.

Although Bill had a lot of medical issues he retained his mental faculties and as recently as three weeks ago was able to identify the musicians in a painting of the band at La Dolce Vita. His closing sentence was, in retrospect, touching and poignantly ominous*. Rest In Peace , you will be sadly missed but ne'er forgotten. Lance

PS: Thanks to Roly for the photo and for the sad news.

*Sadly, everyone in the painting has passed away but I remember that these were exciting times with a tremendous camaraderie among musicians. A lovely memory for me before it's my time to join them!!! Bill Harper