Alvin Fielder and Tina Marsh...

[Dennis Gonzalez]

I've been thinking about how to phrase this, but here goes. Drummer Alvin Fielder (Jackson, MS) and vocalist Tina Marsh (Austin, TX) are at a point where family has been called in to spend their final minutes on this plane with these two phenomenal people.

Please send up your best thoughts and prayers.

They are so loved!

[jazzy mary]

Oh Dennis, I heard about Tina. My God, I'm so sad about this. As you know, you introduced me to Tina's music and then from there, I tried to hear & see her whenever I could. We became friends and I love her very much.

Tina was one of the most talented, deep and beautiful artists in this country. It is just a travesty that more people didn't know her music.
It's just awful.

[Chuck Nessa]

damn.

[brain]

Yes, two beautiful souls they are. I played with Tina just a few months ago in Florida with the Creative Opportunity Orchestra. It was a really great band and performance, maybe the best in my six years with the group. We had a beautiful few days of music despite the impossible odds that come with flying ten people in from all across the country. Then again, the music and the idea behind the band always seems to beat those impossible odds. The band's existence is miraculous but it continues with Tina's tenacity and strong passion for the music.

I know Tina was tired, but she still sounded very strong and powerful and gave it everything she had, just like she always does. I've been praying this would turn around for her. She is a phenomenal person. We are blessed to know her. I was reading there might be some kind of benefit concert and would guess the CO2 website (www.creop.org) would have that information.

I met Alvin when he played with Assif Tsahar at notsuoH in Houston in 2000, I believe. He struck me as such a special player and person. He talked to me a long time, sharing stories about a lot of Houston jazz players from long ago as well as his own playing on records like "Sound." He is so knowledgeable. I was really inspired by meeting and hearing him play that night and felt fortunate to share so much time with him.

Thanks for posting Dennis and Jazzy Mary.

[Frisco]

Tried to send out some positive vibes from Dearborn/Detroit over the air.
Yes, I came to love Alvin in the brief moments I shared with him.

[Uli]

Best wishes!

[jazzy mary]

"Yes, two beautiful souls they are. I played with Tina just a few months ago in Florida... Then again, the music and the idea behind the band always seems to beat those impossible odds. The band's existence is miraculous but it continues with Tina's tenacity and strong passion for the music. "


Oh, Brian, you are so right. I had dinner with Ron Horton last night (you recall he played w/ you when Tina was here in October) and he was telling me all the news he had received re: Tina's illness. I couldn't help but burst out crying right in the restaurant. I love Tina so. She is a gift to the world.

I went on the creop web site and I am sending out a card & a check today.

I'm just...oh, I don't have the words.

[brain]

Hi JM, I feel the same. It is hard news. She's one of the strongest people I've ever known so it is even harder to believe. Of course I remember Ron and the Roulette concert, which was a blast wasn't it? Talk about another great band and memorable evening. Ron also with us in 2004 at CB's when we did the NY Premiere of Tina's "Courage of The Butterfly".

The band has been around for many many years before I joined. I know Dennis was a big part of it for some time. I've definitely treasured and appreciated it as time has gone on and realized how unique it is.

JM-you are right, a lot of people have missed out, but still many have not. Every concert I played with Tina and CO2 was a testament to that. There are folks that have been to almost every concert. To anyone like you that ever came to a concert, I'm sure that she will be unforgettable to them. Each performance (to me) felt a positive celebration and triumph of the spirit. People react very strongly, some with revelatory experiences. I always thought it was great that non-musicians really got into it and connected with the music. I think it is hard not to be moved by Tina's sincerity and directness. The Florida concert audience was largely composed of older, retired people. Many of them came up after the concert for over an hour and told Tina how they'd never heard anything like what we did, that it challenged them, gave them new things to think about and consider and a new way to look at the world. I think that's pretty cool.

And that's just the CO2. She also has so many other interesting projects that have reached people of all ages and walks of life.

[jazzy mary]

Brian, you are expressing it beautifully. thanks.

[baverbach]

I will miss her dearly.
She was a sister.
Tender, Tempest, Rock, and a song

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Alvin Fielder is doing better. He went through a crisis on the emergency room table - had to have a tracheotomy in order to save his life - but he seems to be rallying. My prayers are always with him.

Tina Marsh...there's not anything I am capable of expressing at this time. I miss her already.

[jazzy mary]

Oh Dennis, I am so sad about Tina. I just can't believe that she's gone.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

I got a call yesterday from pianist Joel Futterman who says that Alvin's wife, Carol Fielder, called him to say that Alvin has been sent home to a hospice situation. He's recovered twice from dire circumstances during this last round of health crises, so we can pray that he has more fight left in him. We have been planning another recording with Alvin, so I guess I'm selfish in my desire that he recover!

This is a prayer for a return to the old days of music and health!
Stefan, Aaron, Alvin, Memphis pianist Chris Parker, me:



I also got this from our own CYMBALHOLIC (Chad Anderson) yesterday:

Some of you who know who Alvin Fielder is, know that his health has
been in serious decline lately and you know of his substantial
contributions to Jazz music. We are holding a special concert for
Alvin in order to play this music and put it out there as both a
measure of love and respect that we have for Al, and also as a method
of putting the music out there as positive energy toward his serious
health condition.

The information on this concert is pasted below, but also, my wife,
Patrice and I are putting a website together with a guestbook (and
possible other means) for those wishing to send positive messages to
Alvin as a means of lifting his spirits, or just want to say hello. I
will periodically print out and send these messages to Alvin, as he
isn't directly online. If you know Al, or have enjoyed his wisdom,
stories or his music and want to let him know, you can do so,
respectfully at http://www.alvinfielder.com
(visit website, scroll down and click on "guestbook" and leave a
message for Alvin)

Here is the info on the concert:

A Concert Tribute to Alvin Fielder: Polyrhythmic Democracy

July 11, 2009

6:00 P.M.

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
528 Bloom Street
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 960-1457 Phone

Free Admission – Donations Encouraged

(Jackson, MS) – A special tribute concert honoring the musical legacy
and contributions of internationally-renowned, master drummer, Alvin
Fielder, will be held on July 11, 2009 – 6:00 P.M. at the Smith
Robertson Museum and Cultural Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Mississippi native, Alvin Fielder devotes his life to pushing the
envelope within the American art form of Jazz music. His conceptions
and contributions within the music have been documented on recordings
and powerfully expressed in live performances around the world.
Alvin’s influence has reached deeply into the lives of most everyone
who knows him, and with the spirit of tough love as a teacher, his
extensive, encyclopedic knowledge of Jazz history (and many other
subjects) has encouraged and influenced many musicians – young and old
– on their search for their individual artistic voice.

This concert performance will feature pianist, Chris Parker from
Memphis, TN/Little Rock, AR, along with bassist, Dr. London Branch
from Jackson, MS, and drummer, Chad Anderson from Tupelo, MS. Special
musical guests will include saxophonist, Edward ‘Kidd’ Jordan from New
Orleans, LA, bassist, Rodney Jordan from Tallahassee, FL and others.

As gesture of appreciation, the music presented within this special
concert will feature a range of compositions from bebop and beyond.
From the music of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Benny Golson, and
others, to original compositions by Alvin Fielder himself, the sounds
will reflect and honor the influence of Alvin Fielder as a master
drummer, composer, mentor, and friend.

The public is invited to attend this special event in support and
appreciation of Alvin Fielder’s legacy. All ages are welcome.
Admission is free of charge; however, a donation is suggested.

For additional information, please contact:

Chris Parker at cwparker@memphis.edu

Chad Anderson at chad@chadanderson.com