Jon Hiseman

[Serial_Apologist]

Once more I have to be the bearer of sad news. This is part of the email I received from Barbara yesterday; although I have not told her, I'm sure she won't mind me reproducing it - sooner or later everyone will be in the know:

"6 weeks ago while he was on tour with a new band, Jon was not feeling well and after numerous blood tests in Germany a scan finally showed up a massive brain tumour. At this point my whole world crumbled to bits and after two operations I have just come back from the hospital where they say that nothing more can be done for Jon at this stage and all we could hope for is that he has a painless death".

I have been privileged to have enjoyed Jon and Barbara's friendship ever since a time of being involved on the periphery of promoting jazz, and have tremendous respect and admiration, in the first instance for the way in which they carved out a musical career for themselves that was not without influence on the wider sphere. For Jon this included his brave efforts to salve the Graham Bond Organisation after Jack Bruce quit and establishing one of the first jazz-rock units anywhere with Colosseum in 1968; and for Barbara, having been an icon for women's contribution and belated recognition in the field of instrumental jazz, leadership, and composition.

One cannot under-estimate the support Jon has been for Barbara as she has borne the vicissitudes of Parkinson's Disease, which confirmed the turn to modern classical composition at the point 3 years ago when she gave up playing in public and leading Paraphernalia, having since 2001 undergone barely trialled treatments to slow the condition's progress. If anything fortunate can be found to redeem the present situation it will be in the large circle of friends, supporters and associates Barbara and Jon have gathered to themselves and sustained over the half plus century of their creative lives together.

I just about managed to cobble together an email of sympathy which I sent yesterday. I'd be most appreciative to add any good wishes people here might like to add, to let Barbara know we're with her, when the time feels right.

Thanks!

S_A

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

That's truly awful. I'm only really aware of Jon's early career with Mike Taylor and Graham Bond, and actually saw him a few times with the latter. I do however remember Alyn's Jazz Library* of, and with, him, and he came over as very likeable and truly committed. Feel free to add my appreciation for a really sustained contribution to this music and a wider life in every sense.

BN. (Richard Harris, Wales & France)

*Jon Hiseman
Jazz Library 4 June 2011 (still downloadable)

"Best known as the leader of the fusion bands Tempest and Colosseum, drummer Jon Hiseman's career in jazz covers almost all styles and genres. He talks to Alyn Shipton about a catalogue of recordings that includes free jazz trios with Mike Taylor, big bands, his own groups including Colosseum, and his work with his wife Barbara Thompson in Paraphernalia and the United Jazz and Rock Ensemble"

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

From an interview view last year about his autobiography, "Playing the Band",

"...My intention was to make the book be as truthful as possible about what has been, and still is, a tough artistic life… always trying to beat the system, always trying to make it work against all the odds. Throughout my entire life, it has never been about making money!”

BN.

[Richard Barrett]

Very sorry to hear this, S_A.

[johncorrigan]

Sorry to hear this S_A. Jon Hiseman's Colosseum was a favourite band of me and my pals when we were at school, and we travelled in Scotland to see them, though a gig that they did in The Picture House in Paisley, a home gig for us, was particularly memorable for its power, and the couple of us who are still left from that old school crew still dig out the Live album and yearn after days and pals long gone. I wish Jon and his family well in this tough time. And, by the way, what a drummer!

[Constantbee]

Pretty bad but thanks for letting us know. Thoughts very much with Barbara and their daughter. Early Colosseum albums still very much on my play list. And to think there are children growing up today who might not know who John Hiseman is ... well, doesn't bear thinking about, really ... Let's hope someone picks an early album for a 'Buried Treasure' slot some time.

Here's a link to the bio anyway:

http://www.temple-music.com/project/playing-the-band-the-musical-life-of-jon-hiseman/

Just found out he worked with Jack Bruce on Songs for a Tailor, Things We Like and Harmony Row. Didn't know that.

[Old Grumpy]

Very sorry to hear that, S_A. I have very great respect for both Jon and Barbara. Paraphernalia were my first introduction to jazz, back in the late 70s.

RIP, Jon

[antongould]

Very, very sorry to hear this S_A

[Jazzrook]

Very sad news, S_A.
Will now listen to his playing on Peter Lemer's 'Local Colour'.

JR

[Beef Oven!]

That's very sad news. Colosseum and that whole family of musicians added more to musical life than can be known ............

[elmo]

Paraphernalia and collosseum were very fine bands and Jon is a great musician we can only send him our love and respect.

elmo

[cloughie]

Very, very sad. Hiseman, Barbara, Keef Hartley referred to her as Lady Hiseman, very much a mark of respect to both, and Heckstall-Smith and the musicians ghey played with, were very much part of upping the quality of pop/jazz/rock/prog and almost everything musical in the late sixties.

[Conchis]

I saw Colosseum's penultimate gig in Bilston in 2015 and Jon Hiseman was a total powerhouse of a drummer. I think his performance on The Kettle was the first time I became aware of a drummer 'leading' a band. A terribly sad loss for Barbara and for his many colleagues - by all accounts, he a was true gent and a real artist.

[Serial_Apologist]

Thanks very much to all of you for these tributes, which I will take the liberty of passing on at some stage. Jon is going to be much missed by a very large number of people.

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

I've just seen on Twitter that Jon passed today. Richard William's feed etc.so this seems reputable.

Very sad.

BN.