(2/25/22) Christopher Garcia relays the sad news that Derf Reklaw, multi-instrumentalist and pillar of the Los Angeles jazz scene, recently passed. He leaves a hole -- in Cosmic Vibrations, the Gathering, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra and many other ensembles, including those led by himself -- that can never be filled. But his knowledge survives in the legions of musicians for whom he was a teacher and an example.
On Sat. April 2, there will be a celebration of Derf Reklaw's life, with musical performances (2pm) and a cocktail reception (1pm), at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd. (east of La Brea), masks required. For details, consult images below.
Christopher Garcia wrote this about Derf Reklaw (formerly Fred Walker):
He was always very kind
Always had an infectious laugh
Always had an infectious smile
Always had an infectious spirit
And beyond generous to share his
wondrous music,
music making
and wonderful experiences
Musical and beyond
His musical arc and legacy is astounding
The artists he recorded, toured and performed with
are folks that you would never believe possible
but ones he contributed mightily to
unfortunately these musical experiences don't
seem probable for younger folks....
30 gigs in 33 days
playing a couple of hours or 3 every day
across countries and continents
driving anywhere from 2 to 8 hours every day
getting out and playing the gig
a few weeks off and then back on the road
to do it all over again
if you have never had the joy(?)
of doing this with the same
folks
week after week
month after month
year after year
and playing MUSIC
instead of playing your instrument
it is a difficult thing to articulate to those
who have never done it .....
Onstage Derf was always
LISTENING and WILLING
No ego in sight onstage with this cat
Just the GROOVE
playing
bongo,
congas,
cajon,
flute,
djembe,
bottle,
metal bucket,
etc.,
MUSIC MUSIC and MORE MUSIC
Whether tearing it up or laying it down
Derf was always there
Always present
In the moment
At the moment
Every moment
un hermano de tambor
A brother of the drum
My heart soars for you Hermano
and sores for me..........
AQUI Y AHORA
still HERE AND NOW
and
NOWHERE else
VIVA LA VIDA
