British pianist John Taylor dies at 72

Rennes

British jazz pianist John Taylor has died after suffering a heart attack onstage at a music festival in France, the show's organisers said.

"Carol, John Taylor's wife, has informed us about her husband's death on Saturday July 18," a statement said.

The 72-year-old was playing at the Saveurs Jazz Festival in the western French town of Segre on Friday when he suffered the heart attack.

"His family told us that music occupied an essential place in his life and that the concerts that are being held now at the Saveurs Jazz Festival are in themselves the best tribute that could be paid to him," added the organisers.

Taylor began his career in 1969, and has played with numerous musicians including US composer and saxophonist Lee Konitz, British jazz singer Norma Winstone and the late Canadian trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.