Died On This Date (July 10, 2012) Lol Coxhill / English Jazz Saxophonist

George “Lol” Coxhill
September 19, 1932 – July 10, 2012

Lol Coxhill was a world-renowned free-improv saxophonist from Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.  In 1968, legendary English disc jockey, John Peel reportedly took note of Coxhill while he was busking on London’s South Bank.  That lead to gigs throughout the storied Canterbury scene of the late ’60s and ’70s.  During those years, Coxhill played in such jazz rock combos as Delivery and Kevin Ayers and the Whole World.  Although he ultimately made his mark as an unpredictable improv soloist, Coxhill performed more traditionally while backing up many visiting American blues and soul singers during the ’60s.  That list includes Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, and Rufus Thomas.  He also collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mike Oldfield, Django Bates, Fred Frith, and even the Damned.   Lol Coxhill was 79 when he passed away on July 10, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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Ear of Beholder - Lol Coxhill

 

 

Died On This Date (July 12, 2010) Harvey Pekar / Cult Comic Icon & Jazz Critic

Harvey Pekar
October 8, 1939 – July 12, 2010

Harvey Pekar is best remembered as an underground comic book writer whose autobiographical American Splendor series inspired the critically acclaimed film of the same name.  Paul Giamatti portrayed Pekar in the movie.  But Pekar was also a jazz music lover and critic whose essays appeared in some of the most respected periodicals in North America and were often read on NPR radio.  He primarily focused on jazz’s golden age, but also found room to highlight some of the music’s more experimental artists like Fred Frith and Joe Maneri.  Harvey Pekar was 70 when he passed away on July 12, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.