Jazz Pianist, Composer. Over a long career, he produced a large body of work in genres ranging from Big Band to sacred. Raised in London, he was largely self-taught as a musician, having been kicked out of piano lessons for improvising "In the Mood" during a recital. Following service in the Royal Air Force, Garrick took a degree in English literature at University College, London, and while a student formed his own jazz ensemble. In the 1960s he played with the Don Rendell-Ian Carr Quintet and composed several pieces for them including "Dusk Fire" (1965) and the 1966 "Black Marigolds". In 1967 he began what is probably his best-known creation, "Jazz Praises", a large-scale choral work which was recorded at St. Paul's Cathedral in 1968 with Garrick himself on the organ. In 1970 he began graduate study at Boston's Berklee College and over the years continued to compose, his more noted pieces including "Mr. Smith's Apocalypse" (1970), the 1988 ballet "A Zodiac of Angels", and in 2002 a string quintet entitled "Green and Pleasant Land". He was to spread the message of modern jazz with his Travelling Jazz Faculty and with his record label Jazz Academy, while at various times holding teaching positions at Trinity College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music. Garrick was designated Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010; though long afflicted with heart disease, he remained active with his own Big Band, leadership of which was assumed by his son Gabriel upon his death from the complications of cardiac surgery. His recorded legacy is massive.
Jazz Pianist, Composer. Over a long career, he produced a large body of work in genres ranging from Big Band to sacred. Raised in London, he was largely self-taught as a musician, having been kicked out of piano lessons for improvising "In the Mood" during a recital. Following service in the Royal Air Force, Garrick took a degree in English literature at University College, London, and while a student formed his own jazz ensemble. In the 1960s he played with the Don Rendell-Ian Carr Quintet and composed several pieces for them including "Dusk Fire" (1965) and the 1966 "Black Marigolds". In 1967 he began what is probably his best-known creation, "Jazz Praises", a large-scale choral work which was recorded at St. Paul's Cathedral in 1968 with Garrick himself on the organ. In 1970 he began graduate study at Boston's Berklee College and over the years continued to compose, his more noted pieces including "Mr. Smith's Apocalypse" (1970), the 1988 ballet "A Zodiac of Angels", and in 2002 a string quintet entitled "Green and Pleasant Land". He was to spread the message of modern jazz with his Travelling Jazz Faculty and with his record label Jazz Academy, while at various times holding teaching positions at Trinity College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music. Garrick was designated Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010; though long afflicted with heart disease, he remained active with his own Big Band, leadership of which was assumed by his son Gabriel upon his death from the complications of cardiac surgery. His recorded legacy is massive.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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