Roger Hill, RIP
I’ve just heard about Roger’s death: he was a great guitarist and lovely human being.
He could play in the Django style as well as anyone I’ve ever heard.
Here he is with the Chris Barber Band, demonstrating (on ‘Perdido Street Blues’) that the blues always has a place in traditional jazz; a nice clarinet solo from Ian Wheeler, who also died recently.
Jim Denham said,
November 9, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Some nice tributes from colleagues from his rock and rock/folk days:
http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2011/11/09/tributes-for-former-brumbeats-and-uglys-guitarist-roger-hill-65233-29748340/
Ado Morris said,
November 11, 2011 at 8:20 pm
When Rog left the Chris Barber Band in 1986, he and myself teamed up as a duo, playing ‘Django’ style jazz. We started a sunday lunch gig in Sutton Coldfield which was to last nine years. As a ‘free range folkie’, he taught me a lot about rythym guitar playing and we worked the sundays plus a host more other gigs. He was total inspiration to me and I feel a great loss in his parting, I’ll never forget the ‘silly ol’ sod’, (one of his favourite forms of endearment!). R I P
Ado Morris
Jim Denham said,
November 11, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Thanks for that comment, Ado. I bitterly regret never having got to any of those Sutton Sunday gigs. But I did have the pleasure of hearing Roger doing his ‘Django’ stuff on several occasions and even of playing with him once or twice many years ago (before he joined Barber). As you say, a total inspiration musically and a very nice guy.
max said,
November 15, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Any news on the funeral arrangements?
Jim Denham said,
November 15, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Max: I’ve been told that no arrangements have yet been made as there had to be an autopsy, but I will let you know offline as soon as I hear anything.
Albert Nash said,
November 16, 2011 at 9:16 am
God bless you ROGER HILL you played my 40th my ex Ann’s and my brothers 50th you will be sadly missed God bless you RIP. Love Albert
Elaine Sadler & Graham Bell said,
November 16, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Fond memories of many a happy sunday afternoon in Sutton and a fantastic albeit slightly drizzly time when he played for us at a party in our garden for Gray’s birthday. A total surprise for Graham, an unforgetable and brilliant day for us (and our neighbours!). One of the nicest, most unassuming and cheery guys we’ve ever had a drink with. We will sadly miss both him and his music. RIP Elaine & Graham
Mal said,
November 18, 2011 at 8:31 pm
I worked in the Gate in 86-88 ish on a sunday lunchtime trying to serve beer whilst Roger played… being a young upstart of a kid I didn’t realise what a legend he was… Lovely fella & “Sweet Georgia Brown” annoyed the crap out of me then … but it will always remind me of him.
RIP
melba green said,
November 20, 2011 at 4:41 pm
dearly beloved friend Roger,
rest in peace dear friend you gave us some of your wonderful music for a good many years, everybody loves you mate.
much much love
Melba and family
Dave Ball said,
November 21, 2011 at 11:46 pm
So very sad to hear about Rogers passing. A wonderful guitarist and true Gentleman.
Kenny lott said,
November 22, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Roger hill…Lifelong buddy. Cheekyfaced foot tappin happy go lucky legend. EVERYONE loves you !! Thank you so much for playin at Gilly’s dads. And Then our party. Can’t help thinking you’l be Rock rock rockin on heavens door. Bless. Kenny n Gilly xx
Janet Stan... said,
November 23, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Does anyone know when the funeral is and where to send flower?
Need to let people know in America so they can send a wreath.
bob said,
November 23, 2011 at 9:27 pm
the funerla is the 29th November and is at the Sutton crematorial and starts there at 2:30 and then goes on to the Aston social club for a good send off
Elaine said,
November 23, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Roger was my cousin. I remember when he was 14, sitting in our Aunties garden and listening to him playing “Peggy Sue “.
RIP Roger. You always had such a cheeky grin
Jane Beck said,
November 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm
RIP Uncle Roger. I will always remember you playing guitar at Nan’s house every Christmas. He always had a smile on his face and was so friendly to everyone. He looks so much like my brother mark, it’s uncanny! Jane (his niece)
Ann said,
November 28, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I have may memories of Roger, Sunday’s with Ado at the station, Mondays at the Water Works the good times. I remember him saying ‘some times I wonder and some times I do’nt’ it always made perfect sense.
Sandra J Robinson said,
December 21, 2011 at 2:44 am
See My note in full on the Fairport site, I was his neighbour some 20 years, see the full version and paste below on your browser. My brother used to use his works van to roadie occasionally too. Great Days at the Station Sutton doing the Django on the Macafferi that he would not have refretted as he was so worried it would ruin the beautiful ebony.!! http://www.fairportconvention.com/general_news.php?p=2.
Sandra J Robinson (nee Cropp)
caron said,
April 24, 2013 at 9:22 pm
unless he was playing he was a grumpy old sod caron xxxxxxxxxxx