To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich;
to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart;
to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently
await occasions, hurry never;
in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious
grow up through the common..." William Channing
Mr. Dennis Irwin passed away at the age of 56 Monday,
in Manhattan, New York.
Mr. Irwin was a solid, swinging bassist, who has a list of credits long enough it would,
in my opinion, stretch around the equator a few times over, in value of musical quality alone,
if not in letter count.
His list of accompanied musician’s is lengthy enough to inspire any bassist or musician
to investigate for themselves the rich and deep legacy he leaves in his wake.
Do yourselves a favor, if you have not already:
do some research on the man who set the low end tone for New York City,
and the world over that listens to the sound of his bass on our all time great standards
and favorite jazz recordings, now made more significant than ever.
If you want to do more than read, there are ways to be a vital part of the jazz community.
You can donate to the Jazz Foundation of America:
322 West 48th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10036
212-245-3999, ext. 21
or on the web at: www.jazzfoundation.org.
Thank you.
Keywords: Dennis Irwin, Jazz Foundation of America, New York City, William Channing
