Jackie Leven: 1950-2011

[Jason P]

For those of you who may be fans of his and who haven't heard, the scottish troubadour Jackie Leven passed away last monday. Suffice to say we've lost a true original in his passing; a musician of depth and character, gracious and modest in equal parts.

Some good obituaries around:

The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/8894950/Jackie-Leven.html)

Music News (http://www.music-news.com/shownews.asp?H=Jackie-Leven-June-18th-1950-ñ-14th-November-2011&nItemID=45918)

And some of his music, from the early:

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to the later:

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He'll be sadly missed by many many loyal fans. RIP Jackie.

[jostber]

Sad to hear this, R.I.P. A great British artist with a unique sound and original lyrics, as well as a very fine storyteller. I'm a great fan of his solo releases and also saw him live a couple of years ago on a great solo show in my hometown.

Favorite album might be this:

Creatures Of Light and Darkness

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61YQhClU5zL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Another favorite:

Elegy for Johnny Cash

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cRBfkjFwL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I would very much recommend to check out some of his music if you have not done it before. Great sound as well on the above albums.

[SteveW]

I'd echo the same sentiments.
Here's a small tale though, which taught me something (its not to judge too quickly when you don't know all the facts)

Last March, my mate Kev from up the road asked if I wanted to go see Jackie Leven one cold Sunday night.
Didn't know much about him really... and even though it was in Crewe, thought it worth a go.
So, had a hugely enjoyable night with 20 to 30 others, listening to Jackie's songs and stories.
At the end of the gig, Jackie said that if anyone wanted to leave a tenner, he'd make sure he would send on by post the new album which was nearly ready.
So me and Kev did, and Kev even said to Jackie, 'look send two CD's to one address and save a bit of postage' (he's a bit like that is Kev)

So...the weeks went by and then the months.
Nothing arrived.
Kev and I would occassionally mention it, but eventually I'd written it off...not without a few annoyed thoughts though.
Think Kev tried to contact him through his manager, but heard nothing.

Anyway, just a couple of weeks back out of curiosity I was looking up his web-site to be told on there that Jackie was gravely ill and had just a few days left...and of course he died on the 18th.

On Friday (25th Nov) just gone, two little parcels dropped through my door...Jackies last CD. One for me and one for Kev.
I couldn't believe it. Not only that but he had signed both of them to us by name on the covers.