Last updated Tuesday February 13, 2024 at 22:09:47
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Malcolm Hogarth RIP
22/11/22 - I was shocked and surprised to get the following message from Ed Lee. Malcolm was surely one of the best loved pianist in the North West and has entertained hundreds around the country. He could oftem be hear on the streets of Chester where he partnered up with John Higham to raise money for charity, and produced couple of CDs called Milk of Amnesia and Forget Me Knot which raised around £2,000 for the Alzheimer's Society. A sad loss to jazz and the North West and our thoughts go out to Isabel Toner, Malcom's partner. - Fred Burnett "Could you please post a message from Isabel Toner to say that Malcolm Hogarth passed away this morning in Orchard Manor Care Home. His funeral will be at Blacon Crematorium on Tuesday 6th December at 2:00 p.m. Even though he has been unwell for some time and had been in hospital for a few months, it still seems to have happened very suddenly; and I expect that a good number of people will be surprised and shocked to hear the news. He will certainly leave a big hole in a number of bands and at many events and venues". - Ed Lee 22/11/22 - We have just read the news. What a shock and such a massive loss. If there was ever an Olympics for jazz I reckon Malcolm would have won gold every time he graced the stage and the way he worked behind the scenes. Where did he get his energy and enthusiasm? We had the great privilege to perform with him on tour in Spain and closer to home. Last time out was at Ryedale Jazz Festival in July. We also remember him running busking sessions in Keswick and lugging his keyboard from venue to venue. Such great stamina. He was a true gentleman, modest and generous. We loved his company, sense of humour and great performances. Condolences to Isabel. RIP Malcolm. Chris & Veronica Perrin. Lazy River Jazz Band. 22/11/22 - I'm sure every Trad jazz musician in the North West and beyond has heard of Malcolm Hogarth! For over twenty years Malcolm played with Jazz Rag most Thursday evenings at the Royal Oak in North Wales and at least 250 functions during that time. A very fine pianist and a truly sociable man. He'll be missed by so many bands and jazz festivals. Our thoughts go out to Isabel and
family 22/11/22 - I was shocked to hear of the passing of Malcolm he was the dep for my band on several occasions and wonderful pianist, his boogie Woogie interpretations were second to none, his jam sessions at Keswick festival were always entertaining his encouragement to all that sat in was a testament to his educational skills and his love of the music we all adore, RIP Malcolm, 22/11/22 - I was absolutely stunned to learn of Malcom Hogarth’s death. If anyone was indestructible I would have thought it was Malcolm. My condolences to Isabel and to all who knew him. I first met him when playing weekly with the Phoenix Band at The Westminster in Chester in the late 1970s. Malcolm would sit in with us and sometimes dep for John Hill. I think he had not long moved north – my recollection is that he was from the London area, perhaps Brentford? On piano Malcolm gave any band he played with, a great lift. Nothing fazed him – he either knew the tune, or, given a set of chords, could play it impeccably as if he’d played it all his life. And he was fun to play with. I’m sure that all those who played with him and listened to him will feel that their lives were enriched by both his personality and his music. Jazz gigs and the streets of Chester will be the poorer without him. What a player! Harmoniously, 22/11/22 - That is really sad news. Played with Malcolm in Dennis Armstrong's Gt. Northern Band. I remember him in New Orleans, we’d be among the audience on some of those late-nighters!! If Tommy Burton was in town at the same time, Tommy would play alto sax.... what a time - two commanding British pianists taking the music to New Orleans. Pete Lay 23/11/22 Very sad to hear of Malcolm's passing. It came as a shock to me because I didn't know that he'd been so I'll. A great character, he'll be very much missed, Laurie Cooper 23/11/22 - I’m so sorry to read of the passing of Malcolm. He must have been one of the busiest musicians in the Northwest. I never had the pleasure of working with him but understand he was a fine musician and a real character. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to Isabel and family. 23/11/22 My sincere condolences to Isabel at this very sad news. She told me that he was very ill when we last played together at Didsbury Cricket Club a few weeks ago. I loved playing in a band with Malcolm, apart from being a fine entertainer, he was superb in any band, and a lovely, helpful personality. I’m sure we shall all miss him dearly. - Richard Knock. 23/11/22 - Rita and I were really saddened to hear the news about Malcolm. Many people up and down the country will feel that a huge hole has opened up with his passing. He will be deeply missed, not just for his playing but also for the man he was. Affable, helpful and enthusiastic, Malcolm exuded an optimism which was infectious and it was always a pleasure to make music with him. I first played with him in the original version of Razzamajazz, run by Carole and Brian Oldham, and recall that ir was Malcolm who came up with the band's name. Since then I've been privileged to play with him in quite a few different settings, in all of which his musicality, versatility and good humour were to the fore. In particular he was a regular guest at the Jazz Rendezvous sessions at The Star at Rainford where his ability to fit in with players of different styles was invaluable. We will miss this true gentleman of jazz and send our condolences to Isabel. Keith Allcock. 23/11/22 - Didn’t see this coming, terrible news. Since he and Isabel joined the OPJB in October 2013, it’s impossible to think Malcolm won’t be with us. He bought his self-effacing humour, kindness and great piano playing to all he performed with. Now, he leaves huge gaps in so many bands and so many lives. Our deepest sympathy to Isabel and
family. 23/11/22 - What a loss to the British traditional Jazz world and what a unique and lovely man. I will miss his original, hilarious and sideways view of the world. Those wonderful rambling announcements to tunes. Sheila Fawkes and I shared many a hospitable boozy evening together at Malc and Issy’s place discussing the antics of other musicians we all knew My condolences to dear Issy. 23/11/22 - Tragic loss to the British jazz scene. Malcom was a giant of Jazz pianists. Master of stride piano and yet capable of surprise. I recall on one gig he started to play Line for Lions, a Jerry Mulligan West Coast jazz tune, and even played some Thelonious Monk Stuff. What a player and what a lovely man. Malcom you will be sadly missed from coast to coast. Thanks for the memories Bud, and rest in peace. My condolences to Izzy and Fam. 23/11/22 - So sad to hear about Malcolm I have known and played with him for over thirty years. Four trips to New Orleans with Bricktop Red Onion Jazz Babes, once with The Cheshire Cats and to the Ascona Jazz Festival. A superb, enthusiastic pianist
with a great sense of humour. It was always a pleasure to be in his
company he was fun, kind and a good friend. He has left us with some
wonderful memories and will be very much missed. 23/11/22 - Really sorry to hear of Malcolm's passing. As John Muskett remembers, he used to come to the Westminster Hotel in Chester to listen to the Phoenix Jazzmen. Initially, Malcolm would sit close to the piano and stare closely at what I was trying to play - very disconcerting for a self-taught pianist to be inspected by a proper musician! Gaining confidence, despite my inability to explain what on earth I was doing, he would begin to sit in with the band and then dep for me. It was always a pleasure to see Malcolm come into a room. He was unfailingly enthusiastic, encouraging and entertaining - a real character and gentleman. He will be sorely missed in so many areas. Helen & I send our condolences to
Isabel. 23/11/22 - I was gutted to hear the news of Malcolm’s passing. Along with Isabel he was a very popular member of our band, the Jubilee Jazz Band (which I took over on the death of Dave Brennan). He had not done many jobs recently due to the distance involved but he will be greatly missed both musically and personally. He was loved by musicians and audiences alike and he was a fine pianist, equally happy just to be part of the band or playing a solo, which he would often introduce in his own inimitable manner. We all send our love and
condolences to Isabel and hope she is able to carry on playing. 23/11/22 - So sorry to hear of Malcolm’s passing. I have known Malcolm for more than 30 years both playing together in Bricktop’s Red Onion Jazz Babes, and when he depped in Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz. As well as being a brilliant Boogie player, he was a pleasure to play alongside and to know. One of my fondest memories is in 1991 we (Bricktop’s Jazz Babes) first visited New Orleans. We were playing at Fritzel’s bar on Bourbon Street most nights, and in the morning we used to walk down from our hotel to Bourbon Street about 10.00 am to have some breakfast. As we passed Fritzel’s we looked in and there was Malcolm stretched out on a bench fast asleep. He had stayed playing long after we had left the night before and decided it wasn’t worth going back to the hotel. Not sure if he did this every night. R.I.P Malcolm 24/11/22 - I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Malcolm. I first met him at the Star Inn in Rainford and was impressed by his wonderful piano playing, He was also a very lovely man. Condolences to Isabel. What sad news about Malcolm Hogarth, he was always a popular visitor to Jazz Club 90 at the Harp and Social Club in Albrighton. Here is a video of him playing "Joyride" at the Harp on 18th Jan 2011
There are more videos of Malcolm playing at The Harp at https://youtu.be/N8gDSVAUFNA One Morning in May 17.3. 2013 https://youtu.be/Ub1ATFmTgAE Tiger Rag 17.3.2013 https://youtu.be/a6TgsOXsYws Bad Penny Blues 18.1.2011 John and Marie Howell 24/11/22 - Devastated to hear about Malcolm Hogarth. As a piano player, we rarely met, but our paths often crossed. I was very aware of his prowess, and always appreciated his contributions to the music. He will be greatly missed by a lot of musicians. Derek Harrison 24/11/22 - On behalf of all the lads in The
Wabash Jazzmen, I would like to say how deeply shocked and saddened
we are to hear of Malcolm's passing. Thank you, Malcolm and rest in peace friend. Our sincerest thoughts are with you Isabel and family. Mark Challinor for The Wabash Jazzmen 25/11/22 - Interesting things happened when you were with Malcolm; at least that was my experience, especially in New Orleans with the Red Onion Jazz Babes – and I’m not only talking about the music we played! After breakfast on my first morning there, Malcolm (who had arrived earlier) offered to show me the sights. Walking along Bourbon Street we were accosted by a beautiful Southern Belle, resplendent in a bright red crinoline, standing outside a restaurant and offering us, in a delightful Southern drawl, ‘all the shrimp you can eat for three-fifty’ (or thereabouts). Malcolm, gentleman that he always was, politely explained that we had already eaten but promised we’d come back later. Hearing his English accent she immediately asked, ‘Where y’awl from anyway?’ to which Malcolm replied, ‘My friend here is from Liverpool, but I live in Chester.’ Turning to me she asked – in broad Scouse – ‘Whereabouts in Liverpool are you from? I’m from Tuebrook.’ It turned out she’d only been in New Orleans for a few weeks, but she’d fooled us completely! As good a pianist as he was, I don’t think Malcolm ever stopped learning. Wherever there was another pianist playing he would be there, not just listening but standing close by and watching, learning by observation. One afternoon during our stay he went even further than that. We visited a bar where the celebrated pianist John Royen was playing, and Malcolm immediately declared to me that he was the best he’d heard. Never one to hold back, he spent the next interval talking to the man himself and came back looking as pleased as Punch, John having agreed to give him a couple of lessons while we were in town. Yes, Malcolm Hogarth took lessons with John Royen! Most evenings we were playing full three-setters at Fritzel’s, the Bourbon Street European Jazz Pub, by the end of which any normal person, myself included, would usually be too exhausted to play any longer – but not Malcolm! As long as there was an audience in the place he would happily go on playing until two or three in the morning with seemingly limitless energy, and such a treat was it to play alongside him that I would invariably get the bass out again and join in. One night, as we were playing, a young blind man came in with a few friends and asked if he could join us on cornet. We agreed of course, and together the three of us had one cracker of a session. Only gradually did it dawn on us that this was the legendary jazz-rock guitarist Jeff Healey who, having finished his own starring performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, had come looking for some relaxed after-hours playing to help him wind down. He explained that his original instrument had been the cornet, and he had grown up playing our kind of music. It was clear to everyone present that this was where his heart really lay. These are memories to be treasured, and there are many more of them including numerous encounters closer to home, but overarching all of them is the character of Malcolm himself – an outstanding musician, a magnet for interesting experiences but, above all, a valued and trusted friend with whom it was always a joy to make music. Allan Wilcox 25/11/22 - I was devastated to hear the dreadful news that Malcolm has died; he was a terrific pianist and a great friend. I had the privilege of playing with him each week for 15 years in Morris Jones’s Jazz Rag band at the Royal Oak in Betws y Coed and around North Wales, and on many other gigs with other bands. We travelled together for literally thousands of miles over the years and it was always great fun to chat. One of the true giants of North West jazz, and entirely irreplaceable, he will be very much missed by musicians and jazz followers alike. I am so sorry that I cannot be present at Malcolm’s funeral to say my final goodbye; instead, at the same time, I shall be playing ‘A Closer Walk’ in his memory at the Palm House, Liverpool. My warmest thoughts go out to
Isabel. 25/11/22 - Malcolm was a great guy and played at our gig in Betws y Coed every week ..... until Covid came along and ruined everything. I know Malcolm was very keen and very popular and travelled all round the country playing gigs. Martin Snow 26/11/22 - I had the pleasure of playing
alongside Malcolm on a number of occasions and in a number of bands.
Both Malcolm and I were in the Fire Hose 1 Jazz Band that was formed
a few years ago. Malcolm's particular style of piano playing was
often the driving force within the band. Such a talented individual
and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed. 26/11/22 - Hi Fred, so sorry to hear about Malcolm, he was such a gentleman and a wonderful pianist. He will be sadly missed by all jazz musicians, and fans of this great music. Condolences to Isabel. R.I.P. 26/11/22 I was so sorry to hear about Malcolm. He was so kind to me, Jane and David when Harry died. Harry and Malcolm had played together for many years in various bands and always enjoyed the gigs. In fact, Malcolm bought one of Harry's trombones for Isabel. He will be sadly missed by many.
Jane and David join me in sending our love and understandable
thoughts and prayers to Isabel. 26/11/22 - I was so saddened by hearing of
Malcolm's death and send my love to Isobel. 27/11/22 - We received the news of Malcolm's
death with shock and great sadness. Dennis cannot bring himself to
talk about it much. He had known Malcolm for so long that he can't
remember when they first met. It would have been when Malcolm was
still living and working in Yorkshire. He told me Malcolm used to
come and play with the band at the Brown Cow in Bingley. When the GNJB had to stop working, we maintained our friendship with Malcolm and Isabel, looking forward to meeting up with them at Bude Jazz Festival and Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party. The pandemic, and Dennis's declining health, meant we had not met for a couple of years, but there had been phone calls, the last just after Malcolm's heart surgery. We never imagined that Malcolm would be the first to go. I will always remember Malcolm as a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm. His crowd-raising boogie numbers, and his sweet melodic ballads, reflected the many sides of his lively personality. He was one of a kind and I don't expect to meet his like again. Maureen Armstrong. 27/11/22 - Dennis Armstrong phoned me to tell me the sad
news about Malcolm. I played in the Great Northern Jazz Band with
Malcolm for a few years, thoroughly enjoying his skill as a musician
and his wonderful personality. Malcolm and Isabel lived in a house
full of pianos as I recollect, which I think sums up Malcolm. His
passing leaves a great hole in the jazz scene. Andy and Patricia Maynard 27/11/22 - Wow, the news about Malcolm was, as others have
said, a real shock. 27/11/22 - I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of yet another talented and entertaining member of our unfortunately shrinking Jazz Fraternity. Like many others I had no idea that Malcolm had not been enjoying the best of health. This colourful character as well as being a proficient pianist was a wonderful ambassador for our music. Whenever I knew that our paths were going to cross I always tried have a bottle Robinsons Old Tom Barley Wine to gift him. The smile that the receipt of the same brought to his permanently cheerful face was always a joy to behold and far outweighed the financial outlay! Many thanks for the pleasure that you gave us Malcolm you have certainly played your part in making a magnificent contribution to the North West Jazz Scene and further afield. May you Rest in Peace. Sincere deepest condolences to Isabel and family
from all at Dove Jazz Club. 27/11/22 - So sorry to learn of Malcolm's departure as he and John Higham provided fun & music on the streets of Chester...I will miss the Chester Buskers Bob Lamb 28/11/22 I cannot add much to the lovely tributes to
Malcolm Hogarth. He kindly involved me over several years in some of
his Keswick and Bude Festival sessions. Always a challenging,
stimulating and fun experience. He was a rhythm section on his own,
though much enhanced when Isabel joined him on bass. He will be much
missed. 28/11/22 - When I look back at the many years I have known
and played alongside Malcolm (often with Izzy), the conclusion
I come to is that he was a member of ALL the bands in the North
West, and very sadly no more can any band turn to this wonderful
musician to help them complete their successful night of Jazz.
I will miss him sincerely. To Izzy, Jean and I send our
warmest thoughts. 28/11/22 - So sorry and saddened to hear the news. I had the pleasure of playing with Malcolm in many bands over the years and was always grateful for his friendly nature and humour. He certainly covered the miles and was always prepared to stay a while for a chat after the gig despite having so far to get home. We will miss you. 29/11/22 - Our pianist, Malcolm Hogarth, sadly passed away
recently following a period of ill health which prevented him
playing with us since September time. 30/11/22 I am very sorry to hear that Malcolm has passed away. I cannot remember exactly when I first met him other than it was sometime in the 1970’s. We both played in a band called Fulcrum that had a regular weekly gig at the Spinning Wheel, Dobs Hill near Chester. It was composed of Alan Davies (drums), Geoff Jones (bass guitar), Harry Worsley (Tenor Saxophone), Frank Witham (Clarinet), myself (banjo & Guitar) and Malcolm. We had some fun in that band and we even went to Germany to play on a cultural exchange. As you can imagine with that lot, it certainly was very cultural! Since then, we played together several times a year in different bands and I always enjoyed it. Malcolm was a pleasure to play jazz with and sometimes we also managed to play the same chords. I will really miss him. He will leave a big hole in the jazz community in the North West. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the funeral as I am committed to play at Sefton Park. I am sure that all those who are playing and watching on that day, will be thinking of Malcolm and we will devote some music to him. I give my sincere condolences to Isobel and
family. 01/12/22 - I am so sorry for Isobel, Malcolm was a brilliant
pianist and was always available when Mart needed a dep. They came
on one of the cruises with us. 01/12/22 - Herewith a photo of Malcolm and John Higham
‘busking’ in Chester centre in May 2018 – a brilliant duo ! Malcom
was a marvellous pianist and a great guy.
02/12/22 - Malcolm Hogarth was a mighty fine piano player, as everyone knows. He also had a great sense of humour. One of the questions I asked when interviewing him, a good many years ago, was how he would describe his own playing. He thought about it for some time, seemingly taking the question very seriously. Suddenly, he broke into a broad smile and said: “Pedestrian, supportive … but very affordable!” Modest, as well, as witty! Andrew Liddle 02/12/22 - Very sad to hear of Malcolm’s death it is a huge loss to the present jazz scene which has suffered too many losses of late. I first met Malcolm some fifty years ago when I started to play regularly in Manchester, and have worked with him intermittently over the years, always great company both conversationally and musically. My condolences and best wishes to Isobel. //
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