Brian Case, a respected writer and editor known for his work on music and the arts, has died at the age of 88. Over a career spanning several decades, Case contributed to prominent British publications including the NME, Melody Maker, and Time Out, where he held various editorial roles.

Case was recognized for his distinctive approach to jazz criticism, weaving cultural references and literary allusions into his writing. In 1974, writing for the NME, he introduced younger readers to Miles Davis, highlighting the musician’s evocative trumpet tone through comparisons to literary and cinematic figures such as Roderick Usher and Gatsby. His work often encouraged readers to explore broader artistic and cultural contexts.

Born in Deptford, south London, Case was the son of Anne Davies, a Welsh nurse and midwife, and Harry Case, an Irish officer with the City of London police. He attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s grammar school before studying history at Hull University. After university, he worked as a teacher and published his debut novel, "The Users," in 1968. The novel was praised by author Anthony Burgess, but Case did not continue his career as a novelist, turning instead to journalism in 1974 with submissions to the NME.

At Time Out, Case spent 18 years during the magazine’s print heyday, serving as film editor, senior feature writer, and books editor. Known as an influential elder voice among his colleagues, he was noted for his deep knowledge and a conversational style that combined wit and insight, often shared over lunches with fellow journalists and artists.

His editorial and writing career also covered film and literature, with interests ranging from actors like Al Pacino to authors such as James Ellroy. In 2015, Case published "On the Snap," a collection of reflections on his interview subjects.

Case’s personal life included two marriages. He was first married to Pam Jones, a teacher, in a union that ended amicably. In 1980, he married Sonia Meller, an actress who later became a headteacher in south London. The couple had two daughters, Daisy and Molly. Sonia and their daughters survive him.