[Tradjazz] Farewell Rich Lieberson

[Bruce McNichols]

Early this week, we lost a very special player.  Rich Lieberson, who had been in a medially induced coma for almost two weeks, passed away.

On and off for many years, I've had the pleasure of performing in bands with Rich.  He was a top flight guitar man.  He was also one of the best banjo players I've ever heard, although he didn't care much for that instrument.  I guess he thought that it was corny, but I must say, in his hands, it was not.

Rich was also a very special person.  He was a deep-thinker with some serious thoughts on serious matters.  That said, he also had a keen and very intelligent sense of humor.  Always ready with a witty remark, he was, simply put, fun to have on a gig.  

The other day (Wednesday 9/13/06), I had the honor of playing in a small band at his burial, in Paramus, NJ.  I played banjo (sorry Rich) along with my partner Joe Hanchrow (Chicken Joe) on tuba, Barry Bryson (trumpet) and Jack Stuckey (clarinet).

Some of Rich's family and friends spoke of him and all agreed: he was a special guy.  Among the mourners I saw Barbara Dreiwitz (tuba), Dick Dreiwitz (trombone), Joe Licari (clarinet) and James Chirillo (guitar).  They did not play, but they would've made a fine band, themselves.

It's always sad to lose somebody but these days, we seem to be losing folks close to us.  It seems as if people are going at a younger age, but then, as we get older, they all seem younger.
  I was told to respect my elders, but I can't find any!
FAREWELL RICH.  I miss you already.

McN



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