Just a few words to let you all know that the brilliant drummer and band
leader Allan Ganley passed away this weekend. I believe it was this
Saturday morning following an operation. He only needed a little help
from a pace maker but was one of the 3% who don't make it through the op.
Sir John Dankworth made the announcement this morning at the Jazz Matters
session to a stunned audience who only last weekend saw him performing
effortlessly at John and Cleo Laine's wedding anniversary gig.
In am a bass player and not being one to sit and listen to big bands as a
rule have found myself
listening and watching him playing with many of the great Jazz musicians
at
the Stable's Wavendon, and in the London clubs over the last few years and
always been thrilled by his playing, the skill, humour and subtle nuances
that were part of his style were what made him stand out from the rest.
When you find a Drummer/Percussionist/Musician like Allen it just makes
you
want to get up and play with them, I was hoping to have the chance to play
with him later this year but it was not to be. He was one of the older
guys
on the jazz scene , self taught who only played a basic kit but used
every
surface available, be it heads, shells, stands, seat, even his shoes to
hit
and use to interpret the music. He had a wicked sense of humour both on
stage and off but took the job of providing a creative but rock solid
backing for everyone he played with very seriously.
One of the worlds great drummers, he will be so deeply missed by so many
people. Not only a brilliant performer but a really nice human being.
Allen Ganley R.I.P March 1931 -- March 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Ganley
http://www.allanganley.com/index.htm
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