John Dankworth

I was sorry to hear of the death of John Dankworth. This morning on "Today" on BBC Radio 4, they commented how strange, & brave, Cleo had been in the way his death was announced. She'd gone on & done her performance. It was only when the last piece, intended to star John himself, was due that she came on to announce his death. Then afterwards people were able to stop & chat about John.

I couldn't help thinking in some ways this was a beautiful way to do it. John was a performer. The audience at the Stables was almost an extended family. And at the end of the day isn't being about to talk about the deceased what wakes are about? It's the opportunity to share treasured memories, frustrations etc, always spoken of with love. These memories affirm the value of the dead, are consoling to the bereaved & grief-stricken. It most have been bolstering to Cleo & their children to have been surrounded by that love at such a time, even though the rest of the show would have been a challenge to undertake. But even that was a celebration of the life of John & his love of jazz.