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Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)

09 Aug 07 - 04:02 PM (#2122684)
Subject: Obit: Brian Mason
From: kendall

Another good friend has passed over. He didn't survive the operation. Lung cancer finally got him.
One of my fondest memories of Brian was the time at a Bluegrass festival when we started swapping jokes at 10 am, and finished at 8 pm. People were rolling in the grass, others running around trying to find a tape recorder. They still talk about that.

In addition, he was a top flat picker, fiddler and banjo player. His first love was bluegrass, but he could also play beautiful melodies like Lara's Theme and Marie Elana. He could also improvise, and he made anyone playing with him sound good.He was also down to earth with not a hint of ego.
I'm gonna miss him.


09 Aug 07 - 04:31 PM (#2122698)
Subject: RE: Obit: Brian Mason
From: Maryrrf

I'm so sorry to hear this Kendall. I didn't know Brian, but it just sounds like YOU'VE been through so many losses lately. This must be devastating. Hang in there.


09 Aug 07 - 04:33 PM (#2122700)
Subject: RE: Obit: Brian Mason
From: maeve

I'm sorry, Kendall. Quite a few of my friends have died, too. I'm so grateful to have known them all for as long as I did.

I think you've been particularly blessed in your friends, as we are by knowing you!


09 Aug 07 - 05:26 PM (#2122733)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall

You are too kind.

I guess it's the price we pay for having so many friends and living too long.


09 Aug 07 - 10:57 PM (#2122907)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007
From: katlaughing

It must seem kinda lonesome some days, but I am reminded of Night Owl's mother who is now 97 and going fairly strong. I know she's had probably dozens of friends and family members pass on but something keeps her and her sister, now 93 (I think) going.

Sorry about your friend, Kendall. We do love you and I think it's natural for you to have so many friends.

kat


10 Aug 07 - 09:01 AM (#2122984)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall

Brian never gained much fame for himself, but he played with some of the most famous, such as Mac Wiseman.


10 Aug 07 - 10:47 AM (#2123083)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: jacqui.c

Brian was a lovely man, with a great sense of humour. I thoroughly enjoyed his company when we got together at Bluegrass festivals - he was one of the reasons to go!

He should have been better known for his music - he was a great picker.


10 Aug 07 - 10:57 AM (#2123089)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall

Brian didn't need to be known by others, he was content to know himself.


10 Aug 07 - 07:30 PM (#2123348)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall


11 Aug 07 - 01:20 AM (#2123507)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007
From: katlaughing

If he played with Mac Wiseman, then my Rog has surely heard him. He grew up listening to him on the radio and on LPs. He has great admiration for him and would for Brian, too, I am sure.


11 Aug 07 - 02:43 AM (#2123521)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007
From: BK Lick

Found this video clip of Brian Mason fiddling "The Grassy Fiddle Blues" with the Misty Mountaineers.
Here's another of the same group playing "Lay Your Head On My Shoulder."


11 Aug 07 - 08:06 AM (#2123609)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall

Brian was better known for his guitar picking.
As I said, he would make music with anyone who asked him.
This is a great video, thanks Kat.
I just sent it to Dave Mallett.


12 Aug 07 - 01:30 AM (#2124082)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007
From: katlaughing

I agree, Kendall, great video,but it was BKLick who posted it.

Thanks, BK!


19 Aug 07 - 05:03 PM (#2129291)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: GUEST

Brian may end up being better known after his death. Look at Townes Van Zandt. He played to a sparce crown at Rouel's in Portland yet has a huge cult following now. Brian's new website www.brianmasonbluegrass.com will offer his music.. He was very busy in my studio this year. He had a lot to finish before he went. The "Old Country Farts" Cd is supurb. Just released three weeks ago and over 200 sold. This one is country and done with his best friend Steve Adams. The other is flat-pickin bluegrass at its best. 14 songs done with Tyler Poirier - his student for the past four years. This one is in mastering right now and will be available for the celebration of Brian's life at Glenn Bowman's farm in West Gardiner on Sept 21-23. Musicians and fans from far and wide with be there for this one.

Gypsy Jim Carey
Academy Studios


19 Aug 07 - 05:39 PM (#2129325)
Subject: RE: Obit: bluegrass musician Brian Mason (Aug 2007)
From: kendall

I will be there.