Jerry Underwood

b. 14 August 1956, Bristol, England, d. 3 August 2002, Chambery, France. Well known for his work with Spirit Level, Underwood’s soprano and tenor saxophone playing was highly valued by discerning audiences for contemporary music. He worked with artists such as Mervyn Africa, Carla Bley, Elton Dean, Andy Sheppard (in Klaunstance and Big Co-Motion), Ian and Will Menter (in Bullet) and Gail Thompson, and co-led his own quartet with Geoff Williams. Underwood also toured and recorded with folk rock artist John Martyn, and in 1998 joined Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle. He moved to France the following year, but in late 2000 was diagnosed as having an inoperable brain tumour. Despite a courageous battle against the disease, Underwood died in August 2002.