fasstrack Posted May 29, 2016 Report Share Posted May 29, 2016 It is my very sad duty to report the death this past Thursday of NYC area multi-reed player Tom Olin. A spry 68, and riding his bicycle everywhere, Tom came through prostate removal surgery quite well. Then an unrelated blood clot took him. Tom Olin is best remembered by jazz listeners for his tenure with Illinois Jacquet's big band. In truth, he played thousands of gigs of every stripe: Dixieland and Swing, Broadway subs, club dates, sax quartets (which he composed and arranged for), on and on. I met Tom back in 1980, and we became fast friends. He got me into the very helpful Marshall Brown workshop. We played in myriad situations, gigging and recording, or just practicing. Tom owned a house with wife Janet in Bedford-Stuyversant, Brooklyn. We would spend hours on the phone dishing about the NY scene, and taking down the stuffed shirts. He was gentle, funny, and flakey in the best possible way, with his own lovable way of self-expression. Since hearing the horrible news yeaterday I have been inconsolable4--shaking, and with a tight stomach. Yes, I've taken it badly. Please keep a good thought for this gentlest of men... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonnymax Posted May 30, 2016 Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 I'm very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful person and a good friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clifford_thornton Posted May 30, 2016 Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 Sorry to hear this - never knew him or his playing, but will be sure to seek out the latter. Losing a friend is always very tough. My condolences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyril Posted May 30, 2016 Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your friend. My condolences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted May 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) Thank you all. It helps. There probably will be a memorial for Mr. Olin, most likely at St. Peters church. I will post the event before it happens. Thank you all again... Edited May 30, 2016 by fasstrack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidewinder Posted May 30, 2016 Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 Sorry to hear this, RIP. I think I saw Mr Olin with the Jacquet band on one occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardbopjazz Posted May 30, 2016 Report Share Posted May 30, 2016 R.I.P. Tom. Sorry to learn of his death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
six string Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 Sounds like a wonderful man. R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king ubu Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 My condolences, Joel - your write-up gives a vivid picture of your friend, sounds like you had some great time together! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted May 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 5 hours ago, king ubu said: My condolences, Joel - your write-up gives a vivid picture of your friend, sounds like you had some great time together! We did---going way back. Used to ride bikes to the beach, etc. A wonderful friend... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted July 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2016 There was a beautiful memorial for Tom yesterday at Local 802 (AF of Musicians), with a large turnout. Tom's charming, sweet, and humorous arrangements for sax quartet and clarinet quintet were performed. Memories were shared. I got to meet Tom's brothers and 91-year-old mother---in from Charlottesville, Va. for the event. There was so much love in the room that everyone's spirits were lifted, especially those of Tom's family and wife, Janet. Made me very happy. Rest well, Tom. You are loved... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
six string Posted July 15, 2016 Report Share Posted July 15, 2016 That was a good experience for you it sounds like. You can tell how well someone is thought of sometimes by the number of people at their funeral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted July 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2016 Thanks, everyone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumpet Guy Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Very sorry to hear about this. Tom indeed was a great fun person. I got to work with Tom in 2008-09' with John Scofield Trio with The Scohorns tours. I will miss him . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted August 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 4 hours ago, Trumpet Guy said: Very sorry to hear about this. Tom indeed was a great fun person. I got to work with Tom in 2008-09' with John Scofield Trio with The Scohorns tours. I will miss him . Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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