Latest news with #Kellock
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Legendary Scottish pianist who embodied the 'spirit of jazz' dies aged 63
Brian Kellock was one of the best-known pianists on the UK jazz scene. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tributes have poured in for legendary Scottish jazz pianist Brian Kellock, who has died aged 63. Mr Kellock, who was one of the best known pianists on the UK jazz scene, died following an illness. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Born in Glasgow, Mr Kellock graduated with a degree in music from the University of Edinburgh in 1986. He then established his position in the UK jazz scene, working with Herb Geller, Sheila Jordan and Art Farmer. He later often performed in a trio, with Kenny Ellis on bass and drummer John Rae. In a joint statement, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Jazz Scotland and the Glasgow Jazz Festival said Mr Kellock would be 'truly missed'. They said: 'Legendary Scottish jazz pianist Brian Kellock passed away last night in Glasgow. One of Scotland's most talented musicians, he was famous for his fast-playing virtuoso style. He was a key player for the last 40 years in Scotland, starring at jazz festivals, collaborating with international stars and winning many jazz awards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He will truly be missed by everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family.' Scottish jazz pianist Fraser Urquhart recalled Mr Kellock as someone who played with 'pianistic abandon'. Colin Steele and Brian Kellock He said: 'He never really seemed to play like the people we all listen to. He had this own vibe. 'It was witty and alive. You were always able to hear glimpses of what he loved that had stuck on him: the drama he got from Monty Alexander and Oscar Peterson for instance; some of that offbeat, free edginess from Jaki Byard and the pianist we always liked to discuss – Jimmy Rowles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He knew how to shape a song into something unusual, something that no one had ever heard before – every single time something new. He took chances on every chorus - the sound of surprise, the spirit of jazz.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Touching tributes for 'legendary' Edinburgh musician hailed as 'colossal talent'
Tributes have poured in for an Edinburgh musician who was a 'genius in his field'. Brian Kellock, who was born in the capital and went on to study music at the University of Edinburgh, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. Through his life, he established himself as one of the top piano players in the UK jazz scene. Known for his 'disctinctive, swinging' playing style, Kellock collaborated with international stars and won many awards through his career. He has been branded a 'colossus' by fellow musicians. READ MORE: Edinburgh passengers face 'cancellations' after emergency 'incident' closes lines READ MORE: Unruly Edinburgh youths in balaclavas speed through city, swerving past cars The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival said: "Legendary Scottish Jazz pianist Brian Kellock passed away last night in Glasgow. "One of Scotland's most talented musicians he was famous for his fast-playing virtuoso style. He was a key player for the last 40 years in Scotland, starring at jazz festivals, collaborating with international stars and winning many jazz awards. "He will truly be missed by everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Whighams Jazz Club in Edinburgh posted: "Dear Brian - You were a colossus! "The Scottish and wider UK jazz community has been left a little poorer today. The magnitude of your loss will be felt for some time. Similar to every where you played, you left Whighams' audiences spellbound by your immense talent." Fellow musician Christine Bovill said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Brian Kellock's passing. I witnessed his virtuosity on many occasions and had the great honour of being accompanied by him on stage (including live on Newsnight). Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "He was a colossal talent; a genius in his field and the loveliest gent. Unspeakably sad. Travel well, maestro." UK Jazz News added: "We are very sad to hear of the death yesterday, 27 May 2025, of the very great Scottish pianist, a central and hugely influential figure on the Scottish scene for decades, Brian Kellock. "We will have tributes in due course."
Edinburgh Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Touching tributes for 'legendary' Edinburgh musician hailed as 'colossal talent'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Tributes have poured in for an Edinburgh musician who was a 'genius in his field'. Brian Kellock, who was born in the capital and went on to study music at the University of Edinburgh, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. Through his life, he established himself as one of the top piano players in the UK jazz scene. Known for his 'disctinctive, swinging' playing style, Kellock collaborated with international stars and won many awards through his career. He has been branded a 'colossus' by fellow musicians. The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival said: "Legendary Scottish Jazz pianist Brian Kellock passed away last night in Glasgow. "One of Scotland's most talented musicians he was famous for his fast-playing virtuoso style. He was a key player for the last 40 years in Scotland, starring at jazz festivals, collaborating with international stars and winning many jazz awards. "He will truly be missed by everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Whighams Jazz Club in Edinburgh posted: "Dear Brian - You were a colossus! "The Scottish and wider UK jazz community has been left a little poorer today. The magnitude of your loss will be felt for some time. Similar to every where you played, you left Whighams' audiences spellbound by your immense talent." Fellow musician Christine Bovill said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Brian Kellock's passing. I witnessed his virtuosity on many occasions and had the great honour of being accompanied by him on stage (including live on Newsnight). Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "He was a colossal talent; a genius in his field and the loveliest gent. Unspeakably sad. Travel well, maestro." UK Jazz News added: "We are very sad to hear of the death yesterday, 27 May 2025, of the very great Scottish pianist, a central and hugely influential figure on the Scottish scene for decades, Brian Kellock. "We will have tributes in due course."
