John Burch (musician)

John Burch (born John Alexander Burchell; 6 January 1932 – 18 April 2006) was an English pianist, composer and bandleader, equally at home playing traditional jazz, bebop, blues, skiffle, boogie-woogie and rock.

For the English organist, see John Birch (musician). For the Bermudian guitarist, John Burch, see The Invaders (band).

Background

Burch was born in London on 6 January 1932.[1] Having started piano lessons at age 12, he played in army bands during his military service stationed in Germany and in the late 1950s toured military bases with his trio.[2] In 1959, he toured France with bassist Jeff Clyne and saxophonist Bobby Wellins.[2]

In 1960 Burch joined Allan Ganley's Jazzmakers.[2] In the early and mid-1960s he led a quartet and an octet with Dick Heckstall-Smith, Ray Warleigh, Peter King, Hank Shaw and future Cream founders Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.[2] In the 1960s, Burch was one of many UK-based musicians who "moved easily between traditional jazz, bebop, blues, skiffle, boogie, and rock".[2] As an accompanist, he played with American musicians who were visiting the UK; in 1966 these included Freddie Hubbard, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Red Rodney.[2]

As a composer, he wrote "Preach and Teach" (1966) which provided the B-side of Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames' hit "Yeh Yeh" and was also recorded by Buddy Rich.[2] He composed Fame's follow-up, "In the Meantime", and also its B-side, "Telegram".[3]

He was also a teacher on the Barry Summer School jazz-education project, which was attended by pianist Keith Tippett.[2]

Career

In a performance, John Burch played with Don Rendell, Graham Bond, Tony Archer, and Phil Kinorra. The songs performed were, "Bring Back the Burch", "Manumission", "Blue Monk", "Jeannine", "You Loomed Out of Loch Ness", "So What", and "The Haunt". The performance was recorded, credited to the New Don Rendell Quintet and released as Roarin' on Jazzland JLP 51 in 1961.[4]

In 1963, Burch, Mike Falana John Mumford, Graham Bond, Stan Robinson, Miff Moule, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker participated in a live broadcast for the BBC.[5][6]

In 1965, Burch, Hank Shaw, Ken Wray, Ray Swinfield, Peter King, Harry Klein, Jeff Clyne and Mike Scott participated in a live broadcast for the BBC on November 1965.[7][8]

In 1984, he re-formed the octet with Dick Morrissey.[2] He dedicated his "Resurrection Ritual Suite" to Dick Morrissey and on his death had just completed a tribute to Ronnie Scott called "Just by Chance".[2]

Death

Burch died from cancer on 18 April 2006.[2]

Later years

In 2019, the recordings by the Johnny Burch Octet that was recorded in 1963 and 1965 were released on the album, Jazz Beat.[9][10]

References
  1. Chilton, John (2004). Who's Who of British Jazz (2nd ed.). Continuum. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-8264-7234-2.
  2. Fordham, John (18 May 2006). "John Burch". The Guardian.
  3. "Georgie Fame And The Blue Flames - In The Meantime / Telegram - Columbia - UK - DB 7494". 45cat. 20 February 1965. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  4. Jazzlists - Jazzland discography, Roarin', The New Don Rendell Quintet, 1961, Jazzland JLP 51
  5. Discogs - Johnny Burch Octet – Jazzbeat, Back cover, Personnel SIDE ONE, March 1963
  6. Jazz Messengers - 1960'S RECORDSJAZZ BEAT W/ GINGER BAKER & JACK BRUCE, JOHNNY BURCH
  7. Discogs - Johnny Burch Octet – Jazzbeat, Back cover, Personnel SIDE TWO, November 1965
  8. Jazz Messengers - 1960'S RECORDSJAZZ BEAT W/ GINGER BAKER & JACK BRUCE, JOHNNY BURCH
  9. Discogs - Johnny Burch Octet – Jazzbeat
  10. Jazz Messengers - 1960'S RECORDSJAZZ BEAT W/ GINGER BAKER & JACK BRUCE, JOHNNY BURCH
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