The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Left The Range => Topic started by: jaybet on April 12, 2012, 07:40:01 PM

Title: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: jaybet on April 12, 2012, 07:40:01 PM
I was told this evening that my friend George Mesterhazy died today. He went to take an afternoon nap and never got up.

George was a wonderful, funny man and was the most gifted and accomplished musician I have ever met. He played on some of my cds and always knew just what to do to "make it right".

George produced a song for NSync. He toured the world for years with Shirley Horn, the jazz singer. He had regular gigs all over the country in the winter and each summer he performed every night in his wife's restaurant on his $80K Steinway.

George was the nicest, funniest man I've every known and to him music was like conversation. There were no notes, no math, no rules...it just flowed.
He was just 60, and he will be greatly missed.
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: Timothy on April 12, 2012, 07:45:22 PM
Sorry for your loss Jay!

God Bless your friend on his journey! 
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: tombogan03884 on April 12, 2012, 08:54:22 PM
Sorry for your loss J, but it sounds like he went the easiest way possible .
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: Hazcat on April 12, 2012, 10:22:04 PM
Jay, I feel for your loss.  Darrin (Deepwater) and I were talking about  and of course listening to  your music tonight and marveling at the talent you have 

Carry on and KNOW good music never dies. I feel very special to be called your friend.

Haz
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: ellis4538 on April 13, 2012, 03:34:48 AM
Jay, sorry for your loss.

Richard
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: alfsauve on April 13, 2012, 05:04:46 AM
Sorry for your loss. 
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: Pathfinder on April 13, 2012, 05:44:22 AM
This is turning into a rough week for folks I know.

Jay, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your friend, colleague and catalyst.

Like Doc said when asked why he was riding with Wyatt, He is my friend. . . . . I don't (have lots of them). Cherish your time together, and use his example to be "George" for someone else.
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: PegLeg45 on April 13, 2012, 11:32:19 AM
Sorry to hear of the loss, Jay.

Peace, prayers, and comfort be with his family and good friends like you.

Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: MikeBjerum on April 13, 2012, 12:52:59 PM
Sorry Jay!
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: twyacht on April 13, 2012, 06:41:21 PM
My Sincere condolences and sympathies to the loss of your friend and fellow musician. Taken too soon.

tw
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: Ulmus on April 13, 2012, 09:22:48 PM
Prayer's sent, Jay.
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: jaybet on April 15, 2012, 02:25:31 PM
George has been laid to rest. A memorial service was held today at a nearbye performing arts center. They say it holds about 1200 and it was standing room only. I couldn't stay because it wasn't helping me.
I can't really say anything to anyone around here because they all knew him and so posting here at least I feel like I'm saying something that everyone hasn't heard 20 times.

George could do anything on the keyboard or guitar, but I found one video clip of an informal jazz number at his wife's restaurant that show's him doing what came naturally on his Steinway.  Even if you're not a jazz person you'll be able to appreciate it when he takes his ride...that's just one snippet of what my friend could do...I'm going to miss him.

http://bloggingcapemay.blogspot.com/2012/04/george-mesterhazy-has-left-building.html

And another...with Bluebone and friends at Cape May Jazz Festival- it's just George doin' his thing. (I'm the fat bald guy in the back& singing the second clip.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG3FygXWq1Q


Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: Magoo541 on April 16, 2012, 12:45:39 AM
Sorry for your loss Jaybet, and the world of Jazz's loss as well.  My step-daughter's grandpa is a Jazz drummer (played with some big names) and plays up in Portland every week.  I need to go hear him play some time before he's gone too (hope its a long time), thanks for the inspiration.

Prayers for you and yours,
Bryan
Title: Re: Lost A Great Friend & Musician Today
Post by: ellis4538 on April 16, 2012, 06:40:10 AM
jay, thanks for the links!  As you said great music by any standards.  Sorry for your loss.

Richard