Andy González 1951-2020

[mikeweil]

Bassist Andy González, one of the best of his craft, has died. 

Endi obituary

He had health problems for some years that kept him from performing. The list of his credits is very long, but most here will remember the Fort Apache Band which he founded with his brother Jerry, whom we lost in 2018. R.I.P.

Edited April 11, 2020 by mikeweil

[HutchFan]

Sorry to hear this news.  I'd heard that he'd been very ill for a while.

R.I.P.

[JSngry]

That guy could play.

Heard him live in a club with a Tito Puente Latin Jazz All Stars band (or some name like that, in a ban with Jorge Dalto, John Rodriguez, his brother Jerry, Mario Rivera, I forget who else, but Andy was the one who held me rapt most of the nigh, eyes WIDE open, literally leaning into the moment(s), ears like a hawk's eyes, I was just like JEEEEEEZUSSSSS, I wish all musicians were THERE like that.

RIP. I don't care if he hadn't been playing for a while, just the loss of that kind of a spirit is a loss to the living.

That guy could play.

[rpklich]

It's been quite a while since I heard Andy live in Chicago.  It was with Libre, a band he co-led with Manny Orquendo. They sounded great.  One of the best and most influential salsa bands ever.   

[soulpope]

One of my favorite bass players .... had the luck to see him perform live in differeng setting from Kirk Lightsey Trio via TIto Puente All-Stars to Kip Hanrahan Ensemble .... thank you for the music and R.I.P ....

[sidewinder]

Very sad news - I saw him several times with Hilton Ruiz, including that ‘Live in Birdland’ live recording. A fine and enthusiastic musician - RIP.

[Teasing the Korean]

When I saw the Chico O'Farrill Orchestra, led by Arturo, at Birdland in 2009, Andy was the bassist. RIP.

Edited April 11, 2020 by Teasing the Korean

[clifford_thornton]

Beast of a bassist -- RIP.

[soulpope]

The lack on posts in this thread makes me aware that Andy Gonzalez was under-recognized ....  sad ....

[sidewinder]

20 minutes ago, soulpope said:

The lack on posts in this thread makes me aware that Andy Gonzalez was under-recognized ....  sad ....

 But at least there were some of us out there who saw him and appreciated what he did.

[soulpope]

7 minutes ago, sidewinder said:

 But at least there were some of us out there who saw him and appreciated what he did.

You're absolutely right ....

[aparxa]

August 2008
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
New York City

Just after Randy Weston.

It seems like an eternity.
Thanks for the music!

[Hardbopjazz]

R.I.P, Andy.

 

[soulpope]

On 12.4.2020 at 7:59 PM, aparxa said:

August 2008
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
New York City

Just after Randy Weston.

It seems like an eternity.
Thanks for the music!

❤❤❤ ....

[Justin V]

I think that I only have heard him on some Fort Apache Band albums, but that was a heck of a group.  I'd like to check out his leader date on Truth Revolution Records.  Thank you for the music, Mr. Gonzalez, and rest in peace.

[clifford_thornton]

I have some digitized live tapes of Fort Apache that are quite stunning. If anybody knows anybody that wants to do something legal (i.e., with the family) by making them available, get in touch.