The Chris Walker Swingtet

IN MEMORIUM

It was with deep regret that we heard of the death of Tan Smart - one of the finest Vibraphone players in the Country and a regular member of The Chris Walker Quintet for the last 12 years. His approach to music, and the way he could entertain any audience, will be greatly missed - not only by us, but also by the many other musicians in the South with whom he worked over the years.

He was born Frederick 'Tansley' Copperthwaite on Portland in Dorset on the 2nd January 1937. He remembered his mother telling him that she had been presented with a box of tangerines during her pregnancy. It was this that gave her the idea for his unusual middle name. She re-married when he was 10 years old and he became a Smart - Hence Tan Smart.

Tan started playing piano at the age of 12 and first played the Vibraphone in his early 20' s. This led to engagements at a wide variety of venues along the south coast and, In 1970, he undertook a 12-month tour of U.S. Airforce bases in Europe. Since those days he worked with many friends around the Bournemouth music scene and, for the last 12 years appeared regularly with both our band and others when commitments allowed. This, in turn, led to roles in supporting many famous British and American Jazz musicians when they have visited the area and, with us, aboard the P&O cruise liners Canberra and Oriana.

Recently an album titled 'Smart Vibrations' was issued as a compact disc. This spans the years from 1976 to the present and contains feature numbers from several recording sessions in which Tan took part over that time. Copies are still available and proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research.

Tan passed away peacefully, at home, at 2.30 on the morning of Saturday 3rd July 1999 with Gwen by his side. All Tan wanted from life was to play his music. He will be sorely missed.

Chris Walker

4th July 1999