Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)

Subject: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: BB
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 07:18 AM

I'm so sad to hear the news that Beryl Marriott, pianist extraordinaire, passed away last Friday, and amazed that there's nothing here on Mudcat.

Many years ago, Beryl was described as 'The Thelonius Monk of the folk world', although I can't remember who by, and there is no doubt that she was an exceptional pianist, and a joy to listen to. In addition, her encouragement of the young Swarb, and then the young Chris Leslie means that the folk world is greatly in her debt.

RIP, Beryl.

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: GUEST,nickp (cookieless)
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 07:25 AM

I believe her last musical contribution was to Swarbs new cd. Another sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: GUEST,Rich Arrowsmith
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 07:43 AM

Sad news indeed.

I always loved her playing on Sweet Jenny Jones on Plain Capers.
She came to our house and played my piano when I was 12, I'll never forget that.

Rich Arrowsmith

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 11:10 AM

I have fond memories of hearing her play in Beverley Minster; a great treat!

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: Smokey.
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 12:14 PM

A sad loss indeed.

Thanks Beryl.

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott RIP
From: GUEST,jen
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 07:44 PM

Such a kind and caring lady will miss you.

RIP Beryl

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 10:10 AM

Swarb and Beryl visited a packed Llantrisant Folk Club many years ago - a fabulous night, served up by two unique and wonderful musicians. She was such a special lady who loved folk music and blessed it with her exciting, magic spark. Here's to you, Beryl - thank you for the music, and we'll drink a glass in memory of you.

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: mikesamwild
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:25 PM

Her EFDSS booklet got our Ceilidh club, Hefts and Blades in Sheffield , repertoire going.

A great player

RIP

Subject: Obit: Beryl Marriott
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:53 PM

Anyone else spotted the obituary of Beryl Marriott in today's (UK) Guardian? Fascinating association with Dave Swarbrick...

Beryl Marriott Obituary

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott 30 July 2010
From: Old Vermin
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 03:31 PM

Yes. Actually justified having bought the printed copy.

What I perhaps naively found surprising was the notion of the piano as a folk instrument. I tend to regard portability as paramount - harmonica is easier to carry to the pub and back than a melodeon which in turn is easier than a dreadnought guitar which weighs less than a big accordion. The reminder of the time when pianos were freely available in pubs and halls shouldn't have been a surprise, but was.

So, she persuaded Swarbrick into folk and the fiddle. For which much thanks.And was able to go back to the piano when electric pianos became available. I liked that - going full circle.

A couple of her albums mentioned, which leads me to wonder what she actually sounded like.

Before my time, more or less. Which Mudcatters remember her?

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott 30 July 2010
From: Newport Boy
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:07 PM

There's just one good track of her on YouTube - from 1989.

Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott 30 July 2010
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:29 PM

thanks for the YouTube - hadn't seen that before.
Just returned from the funeral - Swarb and Chris Leslie both played in the church.
Dig out Weave the Mirror if you can, and Beryl also features on Swarb's just-released CD.
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott 30 July 2010
From: paula t
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:54 PM

There was a very touching tribute to her at the end of fairport's Cropredy convention at the weekend. I had never met her, but her influence had obviously spread far and wide.

Subject: RE: Obit: Beryl Marriott 30 July 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 10:59 AM

She'll be sorely missed, is about all I can say and I'll always treasure the memory of the gig I did with her a few years back.

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: Young Buchan
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 12:46 PM

Radio 4 gave her an obituary today.

I'm sure nothing was intended, but they might have thought twice before choosing The Hag With The Money as her going-out tune!

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 06:01 PM

'Tis a shame. May she rest in peace but making a joyful noise.

I only know her name from a Hilary James recording which I much treasure, but Hilary spoke very highly of her as I recall, besides the phenomenal musicianship.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: danensis
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 06:41 PM

I've only just heard the news, thanks to OwdFolkie on YouTube.

Beryl gave a workshop on folk keyboard at the Beverley Folk Festival. I'm very nervous about playing in public, but she was very patient, and showed me how to improvise an accompaniment in a very simple but effective style.

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: Old Vermin
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:25 AM

Thank you, Phil, for the Utube link.

Subject: RE: Obit: pianist Beryl Marriott RIP (30 July 2010)
From: GUEST,Henryp
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:10 AM

Beryl, I've still got your Tunes for the Band. It's increasingly well-thumbed and dog-eared, which shows how useful it's been. And I'm still practising! Thank you, Henry