Brian Cookman

22 November 1946 – 18 February 2005

 

 

 

 

 

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DELTA FLASHBACK

Brian and Leo Cookman – Delta Flashback- were booked last November to appear at Brook’s in April.  Little did we know, as Brian thumbed through his diary, and wrote in Friday 1 April, that the gig was going to be a tribute to his life as a musician and father of four prodigiously talented musicians; Myles, Louise, Philippa and Leo.  Leo, (who took over from Lee Wilson, Brian’s original duo partner), was also delighted he didn’t have to lug his keyboards in Dad’s car all the way from Whitstable, as Brook’s now had its own piano, paid for by the weekly raffle.

Delta Flashback – a Tribute on Friday 1 April became the day when friends and family gathered together at Brook’s, (which Brian co-founded), to re-affirm their love and affection for a man whose magic touch was felt by all those who met him - however briefly.

The evening had a buzz and energy which could only have been generated by Brian himself.  Friend and colleague Brendan Martin who was instrumental in introducing Brian to Tony and myself when we decided to start a blues venue at the Brook Green Hotel, became the MC for the evening.  He and Brian shared a similar sense of humour, and Brendan’s poignant and humorous quips and asides conjured up Brian’s inimitable talent in gathering up the audience for an evening of fun and music.

Myles, Leo, Mike Towner and Philippa sang Brian’s songs with sensitivity and a melodic power which was both moving and exhilarating. They were joined by Simon Prager and Kevin Stenson, Vicki Hume, Rob Mason and Dave Peabody, (who dared to play a few verses of 'Shave 'em Dry), who paid their own musical tributes.  John Challis ended the proceedings with a suitably inebriated solo spot. Wizz Jones sent his apologies, as did numerous other musician friends who were unable to be there, but who will be paying their own tributes throughout the year.

Brian was helped and supported in his last weeks by the wonderful nurses from the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity, and the generosity of everyone who bought handfuls of raffle tickets raised nearly £160 for them.  The collection will continue this season, so we hope to raise more funds for a worthwhile cause that gives so much comfort to sufferers and their families.

Ann

Send your memories of Brian to - info@brooksbluesbar.co.uk

 

Email from Leslie Pitteway

Subject: Brian Cookman

I will keep this short and succinct - the exact opposite of Brian.

After months of pressure from younger people, I finally succumbed to the Siren power of Facebook. I think it says it all, when I say, that after not speaking to him for decades, the very first person I tried to find on Facebook was Mister Cookman. 

I am devastated to learn of his death.

He was the tallest usher at my wedding - back before the invention of fire - for the simple reason that it was impossible to be in his shadow and not feel grateful to be alive. 

The sun will shine a little less bright in my world today.

Leslie T Pitteway