2019 Obit: Rick Taylor

Subject: Obit: Rick Taylor
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Jun 19 - 07:45 PM

So very sad to hear this morning of the sudden passing of Rick Taylor, musician extraordinaire, composer, arranger, musical director of many projects. Many tributes flooding in from people who knew him better than me, and unanimous in their praise of his musicianship, inspiration and encouragement to his students, and a big cuddly friend to all.
A jazz musician and superlative trombonist, he taught at Leeds College of Music, but moved progressively northwards, back through his native Geordie-land, and then settled in Skye, where he had many musical projects going. He was involved in producing and leading various concerts at Celtic Connections in Glasgow too.
I first met him at the "Blazin' in Beauly" week of workshops provided by members of Blazin' Fiddles: Rick used to take a very popular afternoon workshop for all participants, whatever instrument they cared to play - might not be the one they were doing in their specialist workshops. He would ask people if they had any tunes they'd written themselves and turn them into a Hollywood soundtrack within minutes!
Then he started doing his own annual week-long Ensemble workshops on Skye: massive fun, big challenges musically for those of us more used to playing folk tunes in G, D and A, trying to keep up with the brass and horns in flat keys! A huge mix of instruments and genres, but it worked admirably.
Love to his partner Pam, who kept us well nourished at lunchtimes and daughter Laura, who kept us singing in between the instrumental workshops.
Irreplaceable, and unforgettable: RIP Rick.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Rick Taylor
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jun 19 - 01:37 PM

Sorry to hear of Rick's death, he was an unforgettable character! I used to enjoy his classes af Beauly. Another great loss to the Scottish music scene - too many these days.....

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Rick Taylor
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jun 19 - 01:05 PM

NB that was me, Gallus Moll (on my phone)