Rest in Peace to Roger Clark, Dizzy’s Jazz Club

Melbourne’s music scene shaped me. There are a few legends in the community who not only took me under their wing, but who also championed many other young musicians. One such person was Roger Clark.

Whilst he managed a commercial farm, his passion was jazz and he played the sax at the highest standard, he was always performing with his son Rory Clark, a piano maestro. The two of them were part of my musical family and early beginnings.

When I learnt Roger was poorly with cancer, I called him to thank him for the experience his band gave me. The chance to jam with real jazz musicians was delightful. It is so much deeper than performing to MP3 or a backing track.

I realise since reading about Gypsy Rose Lee’s life how much the band was a feature of early burlesque and how much more high energy the shows would have been because of that.

Running a venue in Melbourne had a lot of financial risks and Roger would always make sure I got paid and even opened the whole club so I could experiment and serenade the room with my piano ballads.

We are mourning the loss of a music great who was a mentor and beacon.

I send my love to his family and my condolences.

Rest In Peace, darling Roger.

Love Sapphira & Tonestepa