West Herts Crematorium was packed to capacity last Saturday with family, friends and many of Britain’s best jazz musicians wishing a final farewell to Jackie Tracey.
The simple, non-religious ceremony was moving and dignified. It included three Duke Ellington pieces (Jackie’s favourite composer, after Stan of course). ‘Sophisticated Lady’ played during the period of reflection before the curtains closed. It was a version featuring Harry Carney on baritone. I hadn’t heard it before. It is one of the most sensitive interpretations of a ballad I’ve ever heard and it ends with an incredibly long note – a record breaking example of circular breathing. I’m sure I wasn’t the only person thinking ‘this sophisticated lady will never die’.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment