Posted by:
Eric K
(
)
Date: October 28, 2010 11:49PM
I am fortunate to play with a few local jazz groups. Tonight we were asked to play at a funeral for a young man who died of brain cancer on Sunday. The father asked that our sextet play some Dixieland at the conclusion of the funeral service. This young man was only 23 and had attended college in New Orleans and loved Dixieland music.
The service was emotional with family members speaking about their brother. When they concluded, we played "Saint James Infirmary" and "When the Saints go Marching In". The solos went very well and we were all in sync. When I looked up at the mourners, over 100 people, after we finished playing, many were crying. We received a long applause. I never had an emotional experience like this as a Mormon. Emotions were always in check.
The parents thanked us profusely. I hoped we helped them. It was such a sad occasion.