Kenneth Grant Aldcroft, 14 November 1969-17 September 2016, Toronto. The extended family of creative musicians in Toronto, Canada and around the world is grieving the sudden and shocking death of Ken Aldcroft, guitarist, composer and educator. He was 46. Ken was a loving, devoted husband to Maria, and father to Liam. His family was a model of love, devotion, and conviction. He was a loving husband to Maria and father to Liam, 13. His incredible skills as a guitarist and composer were only matched by his tireless work ethic, passion, and unwavering sense of purpose. His creative vision was manifested by his leadership and contributions to a dazzling array of groups and projects, including Convergence Ensemble and Threads, Hat and Beard as well as various Ken Aldcroft Trios and Quartets, Alaniaris and AIMToronto Orchestra. He also performed solo composition and improvisation and toured and recorded internationally with duo partners such as William Parker, Klaus Kurvers and Jason Robinson. John Sorensen, his friend, released over 25 recordings of his music through his independent label Trio Records. Ken’s dedication to music and community was reflected in his efforts to establish and sustain key scene-building programs in Toronto. His dedication to improvised music and his generosity are reflected in his co-founding of the Association of Improvising Musicians Toronto, Leftover Daylight Series, NOW Series, NOW Series and his service on the board of The Somewhere There musicians’ group. He was a friend and supporter of musicians and was greatly loved for his quirky sense of humor, creativity, kindness, perceptiveness and loyalty. A true gentleman, he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and listeners who he inspired and touched with his music. From www.scottthomson.ca
