Stan-Tracey-Obituary

Stan Tracey

Obituary

LONDON (AP) — British jazz pianist and composer Stan Tracey, who played with everyone from Sonny Rollins to Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones in the course of a 70 year-career, has died at the age of 86.

Son Clark Tracey said the musician "passed away peacefully" on Friday. He had been suffering from cancer.

Born in London on Dec. 30, 1926, Tracey took up piano after a teenage stint as an accordionist entertaining troops during World War II.

After service in the Royal Air Force and time as a musician aboard cruise ships, Tracey performed with ensembles including the popular Ted Heath Orchestra and spent several years in the 1960s as resident pianist at Ronnie Scott's storied London jazz club. That job allowed him to play with the era's jazz greats, including Stan Getz, Ben Webster and Rollins, with whom he performed on the soundtrack to the 1966 Michael Caine film "Alfie."

As well as leading his own ensembles of various sizes, Tracey had a stint in the big band led by Stones drummer Watts.

Tracey's compositions included the enduringly popular "Under Milk Wood" suite — based on the lyrical radio play by Dylan Thomas — and the Lewis Carroll-inspired "Alice in Jazzland."

He was nominated for the prestigious Mercury music prize in 1993 for his album "Portraits Plus."

An inspiration to many younger musicians, Tracey became known as "the godfather of British jazz," and was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.

He released his final album, the World War I-inspired "The Flying Pig," earlier this year.

Pianist Jamie Cullum tweeted: "He played like a demon right up until his last days on earth."

JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press




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so sad to hear of Stan's passing I know my late uncle Freddy Warren said he was one of England's greatest talents and Freddy said of the time Stan supported Sonny Rollins at a Ronnie Scott's it was a fantastic night simply amazing sleep well Stan and have a great time jamming with all your old mates in heaven

The loss of a great musician but with quality and versatility of his compositions and his playing he will always be remembered.

Roland Tomlin

I remember supporting Stan and Mark Murphy at a concert in Corby Grammar school during the 60's run by jazz impresario Keith Diggle.....not only a brilliant musician but a very sweet and kind human being....God rest, and bless his family. Ade Holland.

The death of Stan Tracey is such a great loss; he will be greatly missed. Let us remember his many successes and accomplishments that affected the lives so many lovers of the Jazz genre. May the Tracey family rely on the Almighty for comfort, and he will act in your behalf.

Sorry to hear of Mr.Tracey's death. I hope your family will rely on God during this different time.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Prayers are sent to the family of a man who lived a full and productive life. May the Almighty God grant you peace and comfort during these difficult days. Romans 15:33

Dear Tracey family we are sorry for your loss.Take comfort in God' s promise to end sickness and death forever by means of his government.