[Dixielandjazz] Dan Pawson RIP

[Jim Denham]

More bad news from Birmingham (UK): The great New Orleans-style 
trumpeter and larger-than-life character Danny Pawson has died.

I was not particularly close to Danny, but always think of him as a 
friend. He was a warm, humourous and generous human being. He had strong 
views about jazz (that didn't always co-incide with mine) and strong 
views about life and the world (which usually did).

As well as being one of Europe's leading 'authentic' NO-style 
trumpeters, he was also possessed of a wicked, scatological sense of 
humour and a hatred of pomposity, hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

I last saw him this Summer when he played at the funeral of his old 
comrade-in-arms, the altoist "Spock" Morgan. He was obviously not well 
then. But he seemed in good spirits (given the nature of the gig) and 
no-one suspected that he himself hadn't much longer on this earth.

Happily, Danny found a true friend, companion and champion in Misty, his 
partner, towards the end of his life. I hope this loving lady is OK.

I'll never forget my experiences of playing, drinking and laughing with 
Danny. Our little world of jazz seems that much less joyful today.

The funeral  is in Brum this Thursday, I believe.

-- 
Jim Denham