Friday, October 24th, 2008

A wonderful musician and human being passed away today. Merl Saunders.

The list of artists he has played with over the years just about covers the spectrum of all that is good in music.

My deepest sympathies go out to Deb, Tony, Merl Jr., Susan and the rest of his family and friends.

Deborah and Merl were deeply in love, and Deb was his inspiration and rock during his many years of debilitating illness. In recent years, Jeannette and I, and Deb and Merl would often go out to dinner and a movie someplace…sometimes we’d skip the movie if Merl wasn’t feeling up to it. But his strength of spirit was unstoppable, and even though he was unable to speak or walk well after his stroke, you were still able to communicate with him just by looking into his eyes.

Of course, Deb seemed to know what he was thinking at all times, and a nod from Merl’s head usually confirmed this. However, I will always remember Merl as the vital, magnificent musician he was before he fell ill. I had the pleasure of jamming with him on several occasions as well as sharing the track, “Anti Love Song” on Betty Davis’s now classic funk record.

Merl’s work with Jerry was inspirational, and he and Melvin have always had great admiration for each other’s B3 playing.

So long old friend, see you down the line a ways.

Pete Sears