[TPIN] Leon Merian's Passing

[Robert H. Strickland]

I used to talk with Leon on the phone. He was typical of the great 
big band lead players that formed their skills in response to playing 
in large halls -- not into microphones. If you want to hear some 
great lead playing, get the Lucky Millinder albums of the late '40's 
and early  '50's. Leon plays very powerfully, as does Jimmy 
Nottingham. These are GREAT dance music performances that have a lot 
of spirit; thanks to the atmosphere that Lucky created for his 
musicians. Long live Leon and all of those like him!

Bob Strickland

At 10:12 AM 12/31/2007, Travis Wilson wrote:
>Mark
>
>thanks for the note. Man this saddens me. Leon was one of those 
>folks that made TPIN special. I have told other friends about TPIN 
>and to let them know what it was like I said to imagine a golf email 
>list where Tiger Woods and Jack Nicholas were on the list and would 
>actually talk to you and help you. Leon was one of "those", teh real 
>great pros that took the time to communicate with and help those of 
>us who ain't that good but take it seriously.
>
>My first contact with him was after he did not like a post i made 
>and he wrote a simple response saying "Sounds like something a 
>lawyer would say".
>That started a communication off list between us where i got to 
>understand his humor and warmth and joy in helping folks play this instrument.
>
>Thanks Leon. You will be missed.
>
>Travis
>
>
>Mark Schwartz wrote:
>>I was terribly saddened to hear of Leon's passing. Like Bryan 
>>Edgett, I studied with Leon. However, my history with him goes way 
>>back to the early 1970's.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>--
>When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro
>Hunter Thompson
>
>_______________________________________________
>TPIN mailing list
>TPIN at tpin.okcu.edu
>http://tpin.okcu.edu/mailman/listinfo/tpin

Robert H. Strickland Associates
P. O. Box 1388
Everett, Washington  98206-1388
Mobile: 425-876-2139
Website: www.roberthstrickland.com
Email:  bob at roberthstrickland.com