The great British bass player Jeff Clyne passed away on November 18th at the age of 72. A key figure in British jazz for over 40 years (appearing on recordings such as Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood, Tubby Hayes’100% Proof and albums by Ian Carr’s Nucleus) Jeff was much loved for his kindness and gentle humour.
Forever open to all things, Jeff could be heard in the broadest range of musical settings, from Blossom Dearie, through Ronnie Scott to the free-form and experimental music of Trevor Watts, as well as his own band, Turning Point. Jeff Clyne was also active in jazz education in the UK pretty much from the beginning, co-directing the Wavendon Summer School as well as being professor of jazz double-bass at the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
On a personal note, I am very saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. Besides being one of the great British bass players, he was an immensely kind man without a bad word to say about anyone. He was also present at the worst (best) case of giggles in a teaching situation I have ever experienced, lasting several hours and into the next day! I owe him masses and consider myself very fortunate indeed to have known him.
You can read or contribute tributes at Jeff Clyne Remembered on FACEBOOK – click here.
Simon Purcell 