In Memory of Ollie Nicholls
12 Aug 2008
We have just heard the terribly sad news that our friend, Ollie Hall Nicholls, who engineered Clare's first jazz album, was killed in a hit and run accident in Tunbridge Wells in April this year aged just 41. We would like to send our (belated) condolences to Ollie's family and to Annette his long term girlfriend. We are so sorry, we didn't know, as we would have dropped everything to celebrate his life with you at the memorial service and concert.
We had some fantastic times at Daneby Hall with Ollie and his wonderfully eccentric family. It was such an idyllic setting to work in, with deer and local jazz journalists appearing outside the window. Meal times were always eventful � soup on the lap a speciality. The large kitchen table was always loaded with food, and you never knew who you would be having lunch with, another visiting musician or tea with a delivery man. Great coffee and good cheer were always on tap.
Ollie was so great to work with patient and helpful with a wicked sense of humour. People came from far and wide to use the beautiful sounding piano and utilise his considerable skills, be it as a musician, engineer, composer or arranger. Ollie was certainly very instrumental in helping Clare create the album which started out as �Messin' With Fire� and ended up as her first Candid release, "That's The Way It Is," a great stepping stone into the jazz world.
Ollie and Annette were very, very much part of the celebrations for Mud's 40th birthday - what a great weekend. Never to be forgotten�.what we remember of it!
We don't really know what else to say but "cheers" Ollie, we'll raise a glass to you in Maidstone at the weekend with your Mum and Dad.
