Obituary: Dick Cary

Your obituary of Dick Cary (by Steve Voce, 26 April), in emphasising his 'jazz journeyman' role, undervalues two very significant aspects of his work, writes Richard Baker. First, in the often hell-for- leather New York jazz world, Cary contributed a supreme gift of lyricism, both in his playing and arranging. Secondly, he was a marvellously empathetic accompanist, especially of singers. His skills - on piano, alto horn, and as arranger/conductor - are displayed extensively and to perfection on two excellent (but neglected) records by the singer Barbara Lea, Nobody Else But Me and Lea in Love (1956-57).