It's sad when you hear of someone's passing and especially touching when you are notified by a newsletter that features a photo of that person -- while you were with them 40 years ago. It stuns you on the passing of time. Wasn't that just yesterday?
Almost 40 years ago, Gary Peacock was on tour with Art Lande in the Bay Area. Art and Gary were staying at my house and I was the chauffeur taking them from gig to gig. Gary was a phenomenal upright bass player who is legendary in the world of jazz. From Bill Evans to Keith Jarrett and many artists in between, he graced us with his playing.
But more than a great player he was a tremendously kind and peaceful soul. For that short period of years, I got to know him. That experience never left me even though we lost touch as our paths no longer crossed. To be reminded of him and find out of his passing using a photo from long ago was surreal.
This is a wonderful tribute in JazzTimes written by another old friend I haven't seen in 40 years, Michael J West.
https://jazztimes.com/features/tributes-and-obituaries/gary-peacock-1935...
Life is short. Cherish every moment.
Cookie (Once a jazz pianist) Marenco
