Jon Lucien - R.I.P.

[Ron Thorne]

I'm very sad to report the passing of a remarkable talent, gentleman and generous soul . . . Jon Lucien.

From Jon's website:

JON LUCIEN DIED ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 18, 2007 OF RESPIRATORY FAILURE and OTHER COMPLICATIONS. JON WAS ONE THE MOST REMARKABLE MUSICIANS, SONGWRITERS and SONG INTERPRETERS THAT GRACED OUR LIVES

REST IN PEACE

JON LUCIEN - JAN 8, 1942 to AUGUST 18, 2007

"I would say my sound is a romantic sound...it's water...it's ocean...it's tranquility."

More than any other singer, Jon Lucien captures the essence of romance. His voice is rich and expressive, his best songs are perceptive poetic tales of devotion, trust, hope, harmony and spirituality. Three dimensional parables of love lost and love found and relationships filled with the promise of a new day. He seems to possess an innate ability to evoke an atmosphere and create images not only through his lyrics but the colors of his music.

In the 28 years since the release of his debut album, connoisseurs and assorted in-the-know types have spoken his name with the utmost hushed reverence. His seamless melding of jazz, R and B, Caribbean rhythms and Brazilian music proved to be a decisive early influence on what would be simplified and marketed as the twin formats of "quiet storm" and "smooth jazz," although very few artists working in either format approach Lucien's level of artistry or innovation, not to mention originality...

Edited August 19, 2007 by Ron Thorne

[Eloe Omoe]

I'm very sad to report the passing of a remarkable talent, gentleman and generous soul . . . Jon Lucien.

A remarkable talent, indeed.

He had his share of hard times, unfortunately. IIRC, his daughter died in the TWA 800 crash, together with Wayne Shorter's wife - Lucien was married to Maria Booker, Walter Booker's ex-wife and Ana Maria Shorter's sister.

[ValerieB]

I'm very sad to report the passing of a remarkable talent, gentleman and generous soul . . . Jon Lucien.

A remarkable talent, indeed.

He had his share of hard times, unfortunately. IIRC, his daughter died in the TWA 800 crash, together with Wayne Shorter's wife - Lucien was married to Maria Booker, Walter Booker's ex-wife and Ana Maria Shorter's sister.

and years before jon and maria lost their 2 1/2 year old daughter when she drowned in their pool. yes, he definitely knew sorrow, up close and personal.

his newest cd, "a time for love" is his best, to my ears. ironic but true.

thanks for the post, ron.

[Hot Ptah]

I saw him live last year. He was in very good voice and his performance was very enjoyable.

[trane_fanatic]

Mr. Lucien had just performed at the Berkeley Jazz Festival a few weeks ago.

[ValerieB]

Mr. Lucien had just performed at the Berkeley Jazz Festival a few weeks ago.

and at the Greek Theatre at the end of July.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I only know the name, but I've been wondering what he was like for some time. Sad to find out more under these circumstances. RIP

MG