Entertainment For Lively Minds
Robert Kirby 1948-2009 Composer
Posted by Chris G on 8 October 2009 - 11:32am.
Just read Robert Kirby's Obit in the Guardian.I hadn't heard of his passing, it is sad news at a relatively young age.
I think especially round here you'd have to look hard to find someone who hasn't loved and enjoyed his work especially on the 2 early Nick Drakes albums.
I for one am glad that Nick and his wonderful music has been part of my life for more the 20 years. He seems to have worked with many other favourites over the years too. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/oct/07/robert-kirby-obituary
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I saw a fantastic talk that he gave at Green Man..
..a few years ago.
He touched on all the things he'd done over the years. As you'd imagine a lot of people were keen to talk about Nick, and although did his best to answer the questions it was clear that it was still a difficult subject.
He seemed a lovely guy, compassionate, warm, funny and open, someone who you'd love to spend have a couple of pints with.
I was at that talk too
2006 in the Literature Tent. Spent a lovely afternoon in there, I think Joe Boyd was on the same day.
Robert Kirby
As Robert's ex wife, married to him for 29 years and the lucky girl who lived under the same roof as him for 34 years, I'd like to be pay tribute to a truly, special and amazingly talented man. He was talented not only musically but also in his unique skill at making everyone around him feel happy. There really aren't words good enough or big enough to attribute to Robert to do him justice. To our children, Constance and Henry, and myself he was our "Big Friendly Giant" whom we miss and who is irreplaceable in our lives.
My thoughts now are not only with Robert and his untimely death but all those who loved him who are struggling to come to terms with their grief. He had a rosy and happy future planned and it is truly tragic that it was stolen from him.
We had a family joke after his bout of cellutitis in February of 2008 where we thought he might lose a leg. We referred to him as a "leg-end"………and now more appropriately a legend, I would suggest. The joke was his, actually typical of Robert, able to find humour in the face of adversity
I was intrigued by his other life
He worked as a very senior executive for Ipsos/MORI. He was the guy setting up call centres. So if you got rung up at night by someone asking you about whether we should ratify the Lisbon Treaty it was the man who did the strings on Pink Moon you had to than.
A pendant writes
Oh never mind. He did do great work on FLL - for which we should always be thankful.
Yes, some of the orchestration
is by Harry Robinson.
Thats really sad. I love
Thats really sad. I love those dark swirling strings on FLL. I remember reading that he was a complete studio novice at the time - yet, the arrangements are astonishing.
There were no strings on Pink Moon, save for the six on Nick's guitar, surely?!
Sorry to hear about that.
He worked with some fantastic people.
Had a read through his discography and his work has enhanced so many of my favourite records. A huge talent.
I have made a collaborative Spotify playlist based on a selective pick through his work - feel free to add your faves... I'd like to hear them.
Robert KIrby: http://open.spotify.com/user/doublevisionary/playlist/2hlNm0peg8eXhklbF6...
Discography here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kirby
Sad loss of Robert Kirby
I met Robert when I was 14 & we were inseparable for 10 years, since then we have been intermittently in touch & were recently reunited, falling straight back into where we had been all those years ago. We had such plans for the future. These things were not to be & I, like everyone who knew him, am devastated. He was incredibly talented & the kindest, most unassuming person you could wish to meet, & I loved him so. Right to the end he was up-beat, telling me not to worry.
His music will always be there for me & for everyone. I hope that all who know him will remember him for the lovely man he was.
Sad loss of Robert Kirby
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Robert's death, Jill. My sincere condolences and very best wishes to you.
Thanks Richard, I'll try to
Thanks Richard, I'll try to get in touch again later, its all so sad right now.