Butch Warren 8/9/39 - 10/5/13

[bertrand]

I am very sad to report that my friend Butch Warren passed away yesterday 10/5/13 around 6:45 PM at Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland.

As you know, Butch had recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Butch last performed on August 9th at a birthday celebration at Westminster Church. The last piece he ever performed in public was 'Barack Obama'.

Farewell, Butch, I will miss your music, your stories and your deadpan sense of humor. It was great hanging out with you over the years.

I asked Butch once what it was like playing with Archie Shepp and Bill Dixon. His reply (I paraphrase): 'the music is the same, the people just dance differently'.

Bertrand.

Edited October 6, 2013 by bertrand

[Justin V]

He was a great bassist. It's hard to beat that classic Hancock/Warren/Higgins rhythm section. I'm glad that he was able to enjoy a resurgence over the past few years. Thanks for the music, Mr. Warren.

[sidewinder]

Sorry to hear this - but what a great musical legacy. RIP.

[Cyril]

Sad news. R.I.P.

[jazzbo]

Sad news indeed. Thanks for all the music Butch.

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

RIP

[Claude Schlouch]

UNO MAS

RIP!

[Cyril]

The last piece he ever performed in public was 'Barack Obama'

[king ubu]

Very sad news.

[Dan Gould]

Not surprising but very sad. He'll be remembered for all those Blue Note dates but its good that he was able to perform and received some of his just due in the last years of his life. RIP.

[mikeweil]

Very sorry to hear this. I love his playing on those Monk sides - he made an excellent team with Frankie Dunlop. One of the irreplaceables.

[brownie]

How sad... even if not totally unexpected!

His contribution to many of the best jazz albums will live on!

[mr jazz]

I knew this was coming but sorry to read this. RIP.

[Indestructible!]

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Butch.

RIP, and may your spirit continue to soar!

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I was surprised, when I saw this thread, to see how young he was - only four years older than me. Only 20 when he recorded with Kenny Dorham in January 1960.

Just looked through his discography; surprised to see just how many albums featuring him I've got (15) including the LP that started the Acid Jazz movement in the UK in 1983 - 'Preach brother'.

RIP, Mr Warren. Those recordings won't be forgotten.

MG

[clifford_thornton]

RIP, Mr. Warren, and thanks.

[colinmce]

I was so enjoying reading accounts of his late resurgence. I'm glad he got his flowers while he was here. RIP.

[Peter Friedman]

Very sorry to hear this sad news.

[CJ Shearn]

RIP Butch

[JSngry]

Another window closes...

[imeanyou]

Another good one gone. Thanks for some wonderful music Mr Warren. R.I.P.

[brownie]

Obituary in The Washington Post (our Bertrand gets a deserved credit)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/edward-butch-warren-washington-born-bassist-dies-at-74/2013/10/06/89a11a2e-2eb0-11e3-bbed-a8a60c601153_story.html

[alankin]

Sad news, R.I.P.

[Soulstation1]

RIP Butch

[paul secor]

I am very sad to report that my friend Butch Warren passed away yesterday 10/5/13 around 6:45 PM at Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland.

As you know, Butch had recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Butch last performed on August 9th at a birthday celebration at Westminster Church. The last piece he ever performed in public was 'Barack Obama'.

Farewell, Butch, I will miss your music, your stories and your deadpan sense of humor. It was great hanging out with you over the years.

I asked Butch once what it was like playing with Archie Shepp and Bill Dixon. His reply (I paraphrase): 'the music is the same, the people just dance differently'.

Bertrand.

His line about playing with Shepp and Dixon is a great one (and a true one).

Thank you, Mr. Warren.