THE funeral of Swindon's 'Mr Jazz' is going to end on a musical high note say his music mates who are promising to host 'one of the best jazz sessions the town has ever seen' in his memory.

Much-loved David Knight had been at the forefront of the town's jazz scene for more than 30 years and organised regular jazz performances.

He died aged 79 at the end of July after suffering from a short illness.

79 year old Knight, fondly known as ‘Mr Jazz’ had been at the forefront of the Swindon Jazz scene for 30 years. He organised regular jazz performances in Plough Street Inn, Bakers Street on Wood Street and at The Prince of Wales in Shrivenham, produced gig guides, informing the community of upcoming events as well as inspiring many with his unparalleled passion for jazz music.

Fellow promoter, Evonne Birch-Jackson, a friend of David's for the past ten years who worked closely with him spoke fondly of his ‘amazing sense of humour’ and credits him for ‘sheer diversity of live music currently available within Swindon.’

She says hundreds of musicians and listeners have benefited from his enthusiastic hard work and organisation, as well as the venues he has been involved with.

“Dave has been working tirelessly for many, many years to keep a vibrant jazz scene in Wiltshire," said Evonne.

Now she says she will continue to build upon his legacy, ensuring that regular performances are continued.

Speaking to The Swindon Advertiser in 2014, David spoke of his love of jazz.

He said: "It’s difficult to understand. It’s not something you can teach a person – it’s something you feel. “You’ve got to feel it within you.”

After a childhood spent listening to Welsh jazz clarinettist, Harry Parry, David promoted jazz in Clacton where he worked with musicians such as Georgie Fame and rock band Manfred Mann. Whilst living in Windsor, David liaised with singer Donovan’s drummer and through a chance encounter, met with The Rolling Stones.

However, it was after moving to Swindon in 1984, that David became a prominent community figure within the town.

His encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, breadth of musical contacts and sheer enthusiasm propelled the Swindon Jazz scene into prominence.

His concerts attracted top national and international musicians such as award winning trumpeter Steve Waterman, Frank Sinatra’s former drummer, David Hetherington, and pianist and composer Alexander Hawkins, who reportedly once flew into Swindon to perform immediately after playing a 1,700 strong gig in Leningrad, Saint Petersburg.

David’s funeral will be held on Thursday, August, 25 at St Mary’s Church, Bishopstone at 1.30pm. The wake and memorial concert will take place at 4pm at Baker Street Jazz Club. Performers will include Ian Bateman, renowned Trombonist with over 35 years of experience and award winning Bass player, Alec Dankworth. David’s family have encouraged supporters to donate to the Brighter Future Charity, which funds equipment costs and supports staff education in Great Western Hospitals.