Talking about synchronicity…
Here is the official statement – today, 12 April 2026 – announcing the very sad news of the death of Mike Westbrook OBE, from his manager Peter Conway:
(statement begins) ‘It is with very great sadness that I announce the death of jazz composer, pianist and band leader Mike Westbrook who died peacefully at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday 11 April.
He is survived by his wife, musical collaborator and muse Kate Westbrook and by his son Guy, daughter Joanna and his step children Josie, Clio and Jason Barnard.
Mike’s huge importance for European jazz is summed up by German journalist and festival director Bert Noglik (*)
“Mike Westbrook has not only incorporated some of the best minds in jazz in the UK into his bands, he has also given European jazz its own sound. The way he has managed to absorb the very essence from the American pioneers, and then moved forward innovatively to reflect European culture from the perspective of a jazz-
inspired musician is without parallel anywhere. His work, combining the best from the two worlds, has created one of its own. Here, music and art, sound and poetry, complement and sustain each other. In his inspirational collaboration with Kate Westbrook, works have been created that, for all their diversity and richness, represent what amounts to a genre. Just as Mike often took Duke’s Birthday as the opportunity to give concerts, it is in sincerest gratitude that we salute Mike Westbrook.”
Mike will be missed by us all. May he Rest in Peace.’ (statement ends)
MIKE WESTBROOK OBE Born High Wycombe 21 March 1936 Died Exeter 11 April 2026. In sadness
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