Riverside Blues - Brian Ogivie/Climax Jazz Band 1980

Riverside Blues - Brian Ogivie/Climax Jazz Band 1980

Brian Ogilvie (1954-2004) was probably the best reedplayer we had as a permanent member in the band between 1979 and 1981. I always felt that he was inspired by the early New Orleans styled clarinetists like Albert Nicholas, Barney Bigard and particularily Omer Simeon. He played a beautiful style on his soprano sax as well, but gave it up to more concentrate on clarinet and tenor saxophone. There his big love was Lester Young, but his playing often reminded me of Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster.
Unfortunately our Climax Jazz Band never recorded professionally with Brian in the band. During a jazz festival, I believe in 1980 in Vancouver, someone recorded a few tunes for a life broadcast. I had it in my iTunes collection and after listening to it again I was once more flabbergasted by Brian's inspired approach, his incredible technique and his jazz feeling. And this for a musician who had just turned 25.
Unfortunately for us he left our band in search for broader exposure and when in the early nineties Jim Cullum phoned me to ask if I knew a good clarinet player my suggestion was obvious and Brian joined the Jim Cullum Band for a few years. After this he moved and settled in New Orleans where he played, recorded and got married.He also travelled the globe with many of the jazz greats and died on tour in Scotland. We'll miss him forever.
I'm fortunate to have met his wife Kirsten. We lost touch, so, if anyone know how to reach her, for her I have made a full size video clip of this tune.
Also see my posting of Brian with his brothers Don and Ken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87CRwC-Zd5o

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• classic
• traditional
• revival
• brian
• ogilvie
• climax

[hxosjazznick]

great music.....

[Corrie121]

Am I glad to have reached this channel? You bet I am.

This is a fantastic rendition of a favourite of mine.

Thanks for posting this treat.

[fatheadthedog]

this was one of the Best clarinet/sax guys ever!