Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Judith
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 11:53 PM

How did I not know...but maybe I did know?...Fritz, I loved you, did I ever tell you that? I just found out tonight at a Geoff Muldaur appearance...We drove down Green St. to get there and I looked at the houses and tried to remember which one you had lived in that summer of '67...with Janice Joplin on your door, the spyhole through her eye...

Make merry in heaven, the way you always made me.

Cheers, my dear!

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond/Memorial Service
From: GUEST,Bart Day
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 08:42 PM

The details for the memorial service in Portland tomorrow, Sat., Dec. 17th:

2-5 p.m. Saturday, Fulton Park Community Center, 68 S.W. Miles St. (off Barbur Boulevard, east of Terwilliger). If more info needed, feel free to email me at [e-mail]. Or, better yet, see the detailed article about it on the oregon live website (the website for the Oregonian newspaper). (John Foyston is the writer.) He previously wrote an obituary on Fritz for the same newspaper, which I'm sure is also accessible online, and which conveyed great respect and appreciation for Fritz and his legacy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Bart Day
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 08:20 PM

There is a memorial service taking place, I believe, tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 17th) in Portland (Oregon). You can probably get the specifics by googling Fritz Richmond memorial Oregonian newspaper.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Lorraine
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 02:01 AM

I was so sad to hear the news of Fritz's passing. I met him in the early 70's when he was working at Electra on La Cienega in West Hollywood through some friends. He drove a gold colored very old classic Chevy with "chebby" or something like that for a personal license plate. That car was his pride and joy. I still remember the cream & brown wool that he upholstered the inside with. He gave me a photo of him beside his car , along with a green velvet box with a decanter of Courvasier inside. I must have that picture somewhere, but I still have that decanter on a shelf ( minus the Courvasier!!)& the green velvet box is still in my office holding some antique silverware.

We dated off & on for a couple of years & would take long drives out to the desert for the day. Fritz always loved to take driving trips. I was all of 20 then, but even now, more than 30 years later I I stll remember his fan in his car blowing my skirt & him laughing. I spent many an evening at Electra Records & at the house that he shared with Paul Rothschild on Ridpath in Laurel Canyon listening to his jukebox or him showing me how to play the jug ( I wasn't very good at all). I still live in Los Angeles, & whenever I travel thru Laurel Canyon I've thought of him & all the good times we shared. We lost touch, & then I heard he moved to Portland & we exchanged letters every so often, but that was a long time ago. He was a great person & I will always have fond memories. My condolences to his wife & family. Please let me know if there is a memorial planned for the Los Angeles area. my e-mail is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Susan
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 06:39 PM

I was a big fan of Fritz and the Jugband back in the 60's . Saw them several times here in Southern California.   Several years later though a mutual friend who was sharing a house in Hollywood with Fritz ,I met Fritz. He was such a wonderful caring person. I had the pleasure of attending a show at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach to see Geoff Muldar escorted by Fritz, my friend, and Fritz's brother.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see Fritz and Geoff at McCabes in Santa Monica. My friend and I spend some time chatting with Fritz after the show and even got our picture taken with him. He and Geoff put on quite a show.   

He will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Stew Dodge
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 10:50 AM

I have both video and audio from various "Fritz Richmond's Barbecue Orchestra" performances during the past 10 years. I suppose I'd need the approval of his family to distribute any of it. I've also got some still pics from some shows.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 05:31 PM

I know that Fritz was on the last two John Sebastian and the J-Band recordings. I'm not sure about anything after that.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 03:32 PM

RON COLE,

Are you the Ron Cole I knew at college on Navy Pier in Chicago so long ago???

If so, I'd really like to make contact.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,kapakahi jug band/ honolulu
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 12:26 PM

are there any recordings of fritz's recent work. would love to hear them.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,frazzle
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 04:35 AM

In High School in the late 60s I hung around the Club 47 and fell in love with the Jug Band, and in particular, the gorgeous and worldly Fritz. He was an old geezer of 28 or something.

I got to know him a bit, but was so star stuck I can't remember any of the deliriously wonderful stories he told.

I had not thought of him in some years until today, when I was suddenly stuck by an urge to look him up on the internet.

Oh how sorrowful I am to hear of his exit from this planet. I would have loved to see him again, and ask if HE remembered any of the stories he told the goofily freckled kid that I was.

Good bye Fritz, and thank you for treating me as though I was a worthy peer (even though i was not!)

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Guest: Ron Cole
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 12:08 AM

I never met Fritz Richmond, but Jug Band Music has had a huge influence in my life. If it wasn't for Richmond, Kweskin, etc., I would never have been connected to those Jug Stompers of old. It's true that the jug band upstairs is sounding better and better. Thanks for the wonderful memories!


-Ron

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,GUEST, stew dodge
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 08:02 PM

Like Billy Hults, I'm fortunate Fritz landed in Portland a few years back. I was honored to be a member of his Barbecue Orchestra for almost 10 years. He loved all music, all hot rods, all people. I still can't believe he's gone. If his family signs off on it, we're gonna have a hell of a wake sometime in the near future. It will be like "Hillbilly Heaven" !! God bless the child......

Stew

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: MarkS
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 12:12 PM

Very sad news.

Fritz attended the 60th birthday bash for Tom Rush in the Virgin Islands a few years ago. A wonderful performer. Told really funny stories about air travel with a washtub as baggage!

I even had the chance, for one group number, to share the stage with him.

He will be missed, but now another reason to get to heaven is that the folk music there just got better.

Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,billy hults
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 11:59 AM

Yes, we have all lost someone who taught us about music and what it takes to play. It doesn't take a thousand dollar guitar or a fancy grand piano. Fritz did it with a jug and washtub bass. I played washbaord with him in the Metropolitian Jug Band for a few years and it was always a joy and honor to be on stage with such a great musician an human being. It is nice to see friends like Reggie and hero's like Geoff show up here to talk about what a great musician and human being Fritz was. I'm told Geoff is getting a tribute together in January? Please let me know [e-mail]! The last time we met khe he gave me a washboard made out of mytle wood. I never played it but I would like to play it at least once for Fritz.
Music has lost one of its nicest human beings.

billy

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: reggie miles
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 12:16 AM

I only had one opportunity to meet him. Years ago, there was a Jug Off competition here in Seattle at the New Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square. Our jug band, Strangers with Candy, was the house band that backed all of the competitors. Fritz came up from Portland to join in on the fun. Of course he won the contest.

As someone who loves jug band music, this news is hard to hear.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 10:00 PM

Fritz was a friend of mine from way back - he grew up down the street from me. He introduced me to the Spoonful before they were big -"Spoonful? Who are they?!?" I suspect I crossed paths with many of you at the Club 47, feet on stage in front of the washtub. The last time I saw him was in Scituate, Mass, when he performed with John Sebastian. While we were chatting, he had a visit from a worshipful fan, who soulfully told the story of Fritz's influence on him.. It was J. Geils. What a great picture - the rock icon bowing to the folk icon.

I am beyond sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 06:55 PM

I just got in from vacation and saw this thread. Very sad news. Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band were a part of my pre-teen and teenage years, and I was fortunate to finally see him and Geoff Muldaur perform, last year. My condolences to all who knew him and loved him. Thank you Geoff Muldaur and Suzy Thompson for checking in here.
Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 10:06 AM

I found the Shepherd cd of Mitch Greenhill's on IMesh - pretty funky stuff - thanks for the pointer.
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Johnny Flippo
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 09:01 AM

"It ain't the years that get you, it's the passing of the caskets"-Jerry Lee Lewis

Anyone who attempted to play jug and washtub bass (and I was one of them) back in the day always met with the condescending accusation that one was playing a "novelty", not a real instrument. All we had to do was say "Tell that to Fritz Richmond!" He was one of the hippest, slickest, most elegant musicians to ever grace the earth. To this day, the bottom he gave Kweskin et al. gives me chills and makes me marvel. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Go with God and "Relax Your Mind", Fritz.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Tom Ball
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 01:52 AM

I'm surprised the Good Lord was able to wait this long to be in his company.

-Tom Ball

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 11:07 PM

I was fortunate enough to see and hear Fritz Richmond with the Kweskin Jug Band on the west coast in the mid-60s, at the Newport Folk Festival in 1968, and last year as well. What a beautiful, beautiful soul and a righteous musician. My condolences to his family, and to Geoff, John Sebastian and the rest of his musical family. He spread joy and good vibes all around, and Lord knows the world needs all it can get and then some.

Thanks, Fritz. Happy journey onward.

Elmer

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Doug Seward
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 11:00 PM

I first saw Fritz on stage at the "tavern" in Chilmark Mass on Martha's Vineyard in Sept of 1962. He was on the bill with Tom Rush. My love for Folk music was born that evening. He was truely a unique music maker. He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 03:37 PM

I guess God decided he needed a good wash tub bass player. Bless 'im.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,David Spector
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 02:39 PM

I was lucky enough to be present for some of Fritz's Jim Kweskin Jug Band performances in the late 1960's (I roomed with Jim's brother Richard for a short while and my sister was a friend of Maria's). As already mentioned, he made an ordinary jug and a washtub, piece of rope, a stick, and a glove (not to mention all the exotics he created) into precision instruments played with humor and deep feeling.

As each fine person I've known dies, I feel more loss, like more pieces of myself have died. Although Fritz smoked too much (and Gauloises at that), he was a good person and an extraordinary entertainer and I can't help feeling that it is unfair to the world that such good people as this die. I hope his memory will live forever among us who remain.

David

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 02:25 PM

Forgot to mention - this is a really really great read -- Bless 'em all --

"Baby, Let Me Follow You Down: The Illustrated Story of the Cambridge Folk Years" by Eric Von Schmidt, Jim Rooney

Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Bruce Tuller
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 12:44 PM

I learned of the sad news of his passing from folk dj Gene Shay on his
radio program Sunday night. He had just played a Kweskin Jug Band tune
prior to his eerie announcement that Fritz had passed away that
very morning. I had the pleasure of hearing Fritz accompany Tom
Rush at Boston's Symphony Hall on "Mole's Moan" and "San Francisco
Bay Blues" in December, 1981. The occasion was Tom's 20th Anniversay
Show. It was an impressive pairing that offered me a glimpse into
the eary 1960's folk revival days in Cambridge, Mass. It seemed that
Fritz was a unique musician who left his mark on folk music and
endeared himself to his musical associates-far and wide.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Dexter Lane
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 09:02 AM

Whoops!

Mel (or someone) actually said, "Go thou, and blow now."

And pluck.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Dexter Lane
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 08:50 AM

This morning I was nosing around Geoff Muldaur's site, and came across his tribute to Fritz. Memories, associations, auditory hallucinations (can't listen directly now due to stereo in repair) washed over me coalescing into a saddness mixed with joy.

Back in the mid 60's The Kweskin Jug Band was my absolute favorite music. Having learned guitar and harp, I gravitated to washtub bass and jug. Back then there was Gus Canon and Fritz. Period.

That someone could spit into an earthenware jug and produce tones with precision, warmth, humor- and impeccable rhythm, was astounding. I took up both instruments and became very competent on them, performing occasionally, but never achieved even a proximity to Fritz's artistry. Unknown to the layman is the sheer athleticism of the embrochure required to produce even passable tones on the jug. Fritz must have been able to spit a mile.

(I've read that he performed a version of Flight of the Bumblebee in concert. Can anyone refer me to a recording by Fritz of this? [e-mail] )

Today "A True Original" and "Artist" are routinely used to identify mediocrity. Anyone who opens his mouth attempting to string together a series of notes considers himself a performer- witness "American Idol." But when the words meant something, Fritz was both. He took two of the instruments considered among the lowest on the skill-level totem pole (I'm told that Julliard doesn't even recognize jug and washboard bass as instruments) and made them true contributors to a very tight and musical band.

I saw The Jug Band many times at the Club 47 and Brandeis. Fritz never took center stage for longer than his solos. His laconically dry witticisms occasionally punctuated the general madness. Amongst such strong personalities as Kweskin and Lyman, his presence was just right.

It wasn't until after the Jug Band's break-up that I learned Fritz had been best friends with Chuck Howard (later to own The Music Box store in Wellesley, MA) and, had spent many hours at the Howard's a few yards from where I grew-up. Once while hitching from Boston on the Mass Pike, Fritz gave me a ride. He was genuinely taken-in by how deeply his accidental passenger knew his recorded work- all of it. He was, in that conversation, laconic, witty and wry, as expected. A very nice man.

I did finally get his autograph in 2001, on "Shepherd of the Highways." (If any reading this do not have this album- GET IT! 'Nuff said.) Hadn't seen him in years, except on the group photo on the back of Bonnie Raitt's Homeplate album.

What a ride he must have had. If he derived nearly as much pleasure from making his music as I have in listening to it, he was one satisfied musician.

I think it was Mel who said, "Go now, and blow thou," in relation to harp.

Fritz is doing that now. He, Gus and the band are kicking-ass.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 11:12 AM

Thanks to Jim, Fritz, Geoff and the others who make music that makes the toe tap and the spirit take off. I got to see them all once, and sure glad I got to experience their creativity by listening to the "Relax Your Mind" and other recordings.
God bless his soul.
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Tony Dunn
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 04:05 AM

A master of the washtub and jug. Gone far too early. He will be sadly missed by the Australian contingent.

Tony

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 08:25 PM

An era is truly at an end.

JAB

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: curmudgeon
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 08:15 PM

"God's mercy on the wild Ginger Man."

Subject: RE: Obit: Fritz Richmond (20 November 2005)
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 07:45 PM

I guess we all have to go sometime - but there are so many good musicians that you wish would have been with us just a little while longer. Fritz was one of them. A master of his instruments and craft.

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 04:47 PM

The Heavenly Choir is now a great jug band.

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From:
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 04:15 PM

RIP Fritz   November 20, 8:45 am

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: GUEST,Dennis Wilen
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 03:34 PM

I learned this afternoon that Fritz has passed on.

:-(

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: GUEST,GEOFF MULDAUR
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 02:52 PM

Please refer to my letter of this morning. It's listed as "GUEST". I forgot to put my name in it.
Thanks, Geoff

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: dwditty
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 01:39 PM

I last saw Fritz playing with Geoff M several years ago in, of all places. a grocery store (albeit a natural one) on a Sunday afternoon. Fritz definitely elevated both the jug and washtub to the level of art. Blessings, Frtitz & family & and all who loved him.

dw

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 01:01 PM

To Friends of Fritz Richmond...

I want you all to know that Fritz passed away this morning (Sunday, November 20th). He was comfortable and hip to the end. Thanks for all the curiosity and heart-felt concern regarding this unique and extraordinary musician. There was only one Fritz Richmond. He has been given a very special table in the Upper Room. God bless the boy.

Sincere Best Wishes,
Geoff Muldaur

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailing
From: GUEST,Suzy Thompson
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 12:54 AM

I got the chance to play a little bit of music with Fritz during the last few years. I even got to record with him, on my own CD and then last year on Maria Muldaur's Cd -- that might've been his last session.   I only wish I could have connected with him many years before that but I feel so thankful that I was lucky enough to get to play any music with him at all. It was an honor and a joy to play music beside him. Besides being the king of the jug his washtub bass playing was unbelieveable. He really played it like a real instrument, beautiful tone, pitch perfect, right in sync with Geoff. Sad doesn't even begin to express how I feel. Thanks for the music, Fritz.

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 04:15 AM

"Gotta washtub, and a stovepipe too -oo
He'll make you cry -ee, before he's through...."

yeh!..... tears are in order

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 03:16 PM

I've heard that he was sick but didn't know how bad it is. He is truly one of my heroes, and the person that I try to emulate when I play (both tub and jug). Of course its a very very pale comparison indeed.

I would have loved to have the opportunity see him perform in person, or the chance to meet and learn from him.

GutBucketeer
Jim Bunch

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: Cool Beans
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 02:29 PM

Very sad news. Legend holds that Fritz once rigged up a wire of some kind and played a Quonset hut. Great story, true or not, and reflective of the jug band spirit. Best concert I ever attended was the Kweskin Jug Band outdoors in Central Park, summer of 1965.

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: Steve-o
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 02:22 PM

I saw him a couple of years ago playing with John Sebastian, just the two of them on the show. He played washtub, and really covered both bass and rhythm. He seemed like a sweet-natured guy, but looked somewhat frail and aging. Very sorry to hear he is ill- I loved all the groups he played in.

Subject: RE: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 02:15 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. He elevated the jug to new heights. A master of the instrument. He'll be missed.

Subject: Fritz Richmond ailiing
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 01:49 PM

I learned yesterday that Fritz Richmond is very near the end of his life. Richmond played washboard bass and the jug with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, and more recently was in the J-Band with John Sebastian and Geoff Muldaur. Quite a few 'catters heard him last year in Berkeley with Geoff Muldaur, where they blew away a SRO crowd.

Geoff Muldaur wrote about Richmond's influence in the Jim Kweskin Jug Band :

"Back in the sixties – because of the success of the Kweskin Band - it was predicted in Time, Life, Look, the NY Times and other rags that there would be a jug band "craze" but it never developed. We think the reason is simple: no one could play the jug… except, of course, Fritz Richmond from our band. Perhaps you didn't know this, but Fritz actually played the 'Flight of the Bumblebee' on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion radio show. Anyway, the guy is spooky good."

There wasn't another musician like him. Sad to see him go.

Elmer