Brian Lemon: 11 February 1937 - 11 October 2014

Brian Lemon, one of the leading pianists and arrangers on the British Mainstream jazz scene died on 11 October 2014 aged 77 at Bexhill
For the last 10 years or so Brian had suffered with osteoarthritis in his hands which prevented him from playing and which must have been the cruellest blow to someone who depended upon his hands to earn a living.
Nottingham born, he played firstly on the local jazz scene and moved to London in 1956 to join the Freddy Randall band and then never looked back, being a permanent fixture on the London jazz scene thereafter. He appeared to be a musician who was never short of work, either leading his own groups, or with others and as first choice pianist for many of the visiting American musicians such as Benny Goodman, Milt Jackson and Ray Brown.
He was a founder member of the Pizza Express All-Stars in 1980 and featured regularly in 'The Best Of British Jazz' package into the 1990s.  Whilst working mainly in the mainstream jazz idiom he was equally at home playing with musicians with a more modern approach even appearing with Art Pepper on his first British tour in 1979.
In 1994 a new label was formed,  Zephyr,  to specifically feature Brian either leading his own groups or as sideman to others and the ensuing 27 cds produced over the next 6 years are a superb legacy to this outstanding pianist. Even the cd booklet covers were lemon coloured.
Our featured track has Brian playing at Ronnie Scott's in 2001 with Dave Green on bass and Charlie Watts (yes, he of the Rolling Stones) on drums.  It was one of his last recorded performances.

R.I.P. Brian Lemon  -  11 February 1937 - 11 October 2014

Body And Soul with Brian Lemon