In Memoriam: Andrew Hill

June 30, 1931 – April 20, 2007

Jazz pianist and composer Andrew Hill passed on April 20 after a long fight with lung cancer.  His death has prompted by an outpouring of reminiscences online, and we’ve selected some links remembering this talented musician.

Among the many obituaries of Andrew Hill out there, two stand out:the official announcement of Hill’s death at All About Jazz; and this comprehensive look at Hill’s life from London’s Guardian.

At Destination Out pianist Vijay Iyer wrote about Hill’s influence on his music:

"Andrew Hill’s recordings, performances, compositions, and personality influenced me to such a degree over such a long period that he feels like family, like a part of me.  I am humbled and blessed to have received his generosity, wisdom, and friendship.  His spirit lives on through his musical legacy, his vast influence on modern music, and all the lives he touched."

Do the Math, a blog maintained by members of piano trio The Bad Plus, posted this reminiscence of Hill’s album Grass Roots.

One of Hill’s final performances was a Herbst Theatre double bill with guitarist Nels Cline last fall. Cline opened that show with a live performance of work from New Monastery: A View Inside the Music of Andrew Hill. He’s posted a sincere recollection of Hill and that night’s performance.

"In a strange twist of fate, my sextet that plays his music was asked to open for Mr. Hill's group at the San Francisco Jazz Festival last October. It was nerve-wracking for me, but also exciting, and Andrew was generous, telling me, after I expressed a sheepishness about playing his music in front of him, that what was important was that I was doing MY interpretation - that that's what it's all about."

All of us at SFJAZZ send our deepest condolences to Hill’s family, and to the many people who were touched by his generous, inimitable talent.