Martin France RIP

[sidewinder]

So sorry to hear the news of the recent death of British drummer Martin France at the young age of 60. He was invariably superb - whether with Loose Tubes in his younger days or as part of John Taylor's trio or the Kenny Wheeler Big Band. So tasteful and versatile.

I think the first time I saw him was in 1989 with Loose Tubes (open air concert in Toronto) and the last time must have been last year at Swanage when he was part of Yazz Ahmed's group. It was always a sign of a good gig coming up if Martin was on drums.

He will be very much missed for sure - RIP.

[mjazzg]

Yes, this was a shock when it broke yesterday. I remember seeing him often in the 90s into 00s at the old Vortex and less often since it seems. 

 

 

[Rabshakeh]

Sad news. That generation is not getting the due that it deserves. 

[clifford_thornton]

Way too young; I gather that he had been ill for some time. RIP.

[soulpope]

R.I.P    ....

[sidewinder]

He was, of course, part of that magnificent John Taylor Trio with Palle Danielson. Saw them a number of times over the years, always great.

Particularly fond memories of a Taylor performance at a beautiful rural church in Plush, Dorset in the 2000s, as part of the Brendel Festival. I had initially thought that France was playing that one but it was probably just Taylor.

49 minutes ago, clifford_thornton said:

Way too young; I gather that he had been ill for some time. RIP.

Which makes it incredible that he did the gig with Yazz Ahmed. I wasn't aware of this.