Thoughts go out to the friends and family of veteran British free-improvising saxophonist Lol Coxhill (pictured) who has died in hospital aged 79, after several weeks of serious illness. Coxhill was reportedly first brought to prominence after being spotted busking by DJ John Peel outside the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank in 1968. During the late 1960s and early 70s, he forged strong links with the Canterbury scene, playing in jazz-rock groups such as Kevin Ayers & The Whole World and Delivery.

A dedicated proponent of the soprano saxophone, Coxhill later became better known for intimate duos with the likes of Canterbury pianist Steve Miller and Scottish guitarist G.F. Fitzgerald, and for witty, unpredictable solo improvising, often in unconventional locations – such as his infamous 2004 tour of Yorkshire market towns, Lol Coxhill In A Skip.

Loved by musicians and fans alike for his impish humour and refreshing honesty, Coxhill, who performed regularly right up until illness finally claimed him, was a unique presence on the UK creative music scene – and possibly the only saxophonist who could claim to have played with Anthony Braxton, Tommy Cooper and punk rockers The Damned. He will be greatly missed.

– Daniel Spicer