Stan Barker born 24 May 1926

Stan Barker (24 May 1926 – 2 July 1997) was an English jazz pianist born in Clitheroe, Lancashire, who enjoyed an international reputation. 

There is not much information regarding Stans early life until when in his 50’s as a senior administrator at Tarmac, he gave up his job to become a professional musician. He formed the Stan Barker Trio and was musical director at the Keirby Hotel, Burnley, in its music heyday. Whilst playing a Jazz Club in the Lake District he met up with Digby Fairweather and became close friends and had a couple of years playing Jazz in the rough-and-tumble of professional life. 

Together they we formed a registered educational charity, called ‘Jazz College’ from 1980 – 1987 and were artists in residence at Southport Arts Centre where they conducted school workshops around Lancashire. Digby was busy with different solo projects whilst Stan toured music schools throughout Europe. He has taught in a variety of educational institutions, including the Royal Northern College of Music, the Belfast School of Music, Merseyside Arts, South Wales Art Association and the Southport Arts Centre. 

In 1987 Stan and Digby were recorded whist playing at Southport Arts Centre where they did a little session, they had a full house as usual. In fact the recordings they made have been reissued on the ‘Jazzology’ label. In addition to teaching jazz, Barker has done recordings and gigs with such artists as Al Grey, Buddy Tate, Al Wood, and Billy Butterfield. 

During his career he performed regularly at top jazz clubs throughout the UK, Europe and America and made many recordings, the best-known being "Let's Duet", with Digby Fairweather. 

Stan was best remembered for his "gentlemanly manners, uncanny ear for music and succinct improvisation," son Ken said. He was awarded an honorary master's degree from Manchester University, which was collected posthumously by his wife, Betty. 

Barker died 2 July 1997, following a short illness at the age of 71. 

(Scarce info edited from Wikipedia, National Jazz Archive & Lancashire Telegraph)

Here’s Stan Barker playing Autumn Leaves with Paul Mitchell-Davidson, Bass and Dave Hassell, Drums, circa 1990.