Crikey … it’s only a few days since I nominated Rico for the “Consecutive Compendium of Culture – Rai, r&b, ragtime, rap, rave, reggaeton, renaissance, riot grrrl, rockabilly, rumba – reach for ridiculously rewarding refrains” thread.
Aah, fuckity fuck. RIP Rico….I first saw him at Hammersmith Palais in ’79 with The Specials and to be honest to me, a 17 year old lad, he looked ancient then, but boy could he play,.The respect that he had from all the members of The Specials was there to see that night. He reminded me of Cornelius Bumpus, who was another quiet man but also master of his instrument. They seem to be going thick and fast at present.
Sad sad sad, but he had looked and sounded weary of late, the trophy spectre at Jools Hollands feast latterly, playing less and less trombone. Astonishing and immediately recognisable tone. Along with Specials sideman sidekick Dick Cuthell, he was a major factor in turning my young jaundiced ears to ‘bone and other brass, believing them earlier to be old fogey jazz stuff.
Properly sad news.
I totally agree with Retro about Rico being a key part of my musical education, helping me to really appreciate the beauty of brass.
I used to regularly see him on my lunch hour in Victoria St, & always had that starnge feeling you get seeing a ‘hero’ in everyday settings – ‘ wow, he goes to Sainsbury’s, does that influence his sound?’
I think the last time I saw him live was supporting Ian Dury at the Forum ( a very bitter sweet occasion, obviously) & as ever he was cool & immaculate.
By all accounts & appearance a quiet & humble man, his legacy will be subtle but profound.
RIP
Saw him 3 or 4 years ago in a cameo role in Jerry Dammers Sun Ra tribute band. When he came on stage he literally blew the house down at Warwick Arts Centre such was the majesty and emotion of his playing. Seemed a great character too.
Kid Dynamite says
I have this one on vinyl somewhere upstairs. I’ll dig it out tonight I reckon
duco01 says
Crikey … it’s only a few days since I nominated Rico for the “Consecutive Compendium of Culture – Rai, r&b, ragtime, rap, rave, reggaeton, renaissance, riot grrrl, rockabilly, rumba – reach for ridiculously rewarding refrains” thread.
It’s sad news. All hail the Man from Wareika!
Razor Boy says
Aah, fuckity fuck. RIP Rico….I first saw him at Hammersmith Palais in ’79 with The Specials and to be honest to me, a 17 year old lad, he looked ancient then, but boy could he play,.The respect that he had from all the members of The Specials was there to see that night. He reminded me of Cornelius Bumpus, who was another quiet man but also master of his instrument. They seem to be going thick and fast at present.
retropath2 says
Sad sad sad, but he had looked and sounded weary of late, the trophy spectre at Jools Hollands feast latterly, playing less and less trombone. Astonishing and immediately recognisable tone. Along with Specials sideman sidekick Dick Cuthell, he was a major factor in turning my young jaundiced ears to ‘bone and other brass, believing them earlier to be old fogey jazz stuff.
Junglejim says
Properly sad news.
I totally agree with Retro about Rico being a key part of my musical education, helping me to really appreciate the beauty of brass.
I used to regularly see him on my lunch hour in Victoria St, & always had that starnge feeling you get seeing a ‘hero’ in everyday settings – ‘ wow, he goes to Sainsbury’s, does that influence his sound?’
I think the last time I saw him live was supporting Ian Dury at the Forum ( a very bitter sweet occasion, obviously) & as ever he was cool & immaculate.
By all accounts & appearance a quiet & humble man, his legacy will be subtle but profound.
RIP
Vulpes Vulpes says
RIP fella, and thanks for all the great playing;, embellished or original tunes, you brought soul to all of them.
SteveT says
Saw him 3 or 4 years ago in a cameo role in Jerry Dammers Sun Ra tribute band. When he came on stage he literally blew the house down at Warwick Arts Centre such was the majesty and emotion of his playing. Seemed a great character too.
Kaisfatdad says
Very sad news.
Kaisfatdad says
I enjoyed that so much I want some more. Here’s Rico live in Argentina of all place. Far more than just a local hero.