[Dixielandjazz] Vale John Gill (Ragtime pianist)

[John Petters]

I heard about this terrible news yesterday, Bill.
John and I go back to the beginning of our careers. We used to play the
London Working Men's Clubs and British Legion Clubs and some pretty
dodgy east end pubs in the mid '70s.
We used to work as a duo. I was impressed by John's superb technique,
although often (like many pianists used to working solo) He could race
ahead of the beat.
In 1977 we made our first recordings with my Dixie Seven. I remember
John insisted on playing his three solos first, after which he got stuck
in to a bottle of scotch.
We played in Guernsey for several months during '77 and countless other
gig until he departed for Oz in 1983.
He came back to blighty in 2007 and he stayed with us for a couple of
days and we played at Harlow,which I filmed and recorded:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnpetters#p/u/72/0I3LhG32Lr0
A real eccentric, great fun to be with and I like to think a long term
friend.
RIP John

John Petters


On 17/04/2011 22:16, Bill Haesler wrote:
> Dear Friends,
> I have just received he following sad news from Gretel James in Melbourne:
> 
>> It is with deep regret that I have to pass on the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Gill, Ragtime pianist from Perth.  John was 57 when he had a massive coronorary last Friday (15th).  He was well-known all over Australia for his amazing talent and was a favourite at the American Ragtime Festivals.
>> He was preparing for yet another trip to U.S.A.   He played in Melbourne at Montalvat, the VJC, Diana Allen and various other gigs.  He will be sadly missed.
> 
> John was born in Lancashire, England in January 1954. His early interest in ragtime was influenced by Kenny Ball's pianist, Ron Weatherburn and expanded into stride through his friendship with Keith Nichols. He moved to Perth, Australia in 1983 where he joined the Corner House Jazz Band.
> It was shortly after this that I first heard and met John at an Australian Jazz Convention.
> He will be missed by his many Australian and international friends.
> Kind regards,
> Bill.
>   
> 
> 
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-- 
John Petters
www.traditional-jazz.com
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ