What shocking, unexpected news from the owner/manager of Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. I just saw and heard him a few nights ago on the live feed from Smalls with the Peter Bernstein Quartet. Tragic news.

"I have been given the awful responsibility of making the following announcement: Our beloved friend and master musician Dwayne Burno has passed away. His wife, Wendy, has asked me to announce this to the public. The depth of my sadness cannot be expressed. Rest in peace, dear friend, this is an unbearable loss. Friends, we will be creating a fund to collect for the family to manage the expenses. I will post more information as I get it." - Spike Wilner


R.I.P., Dwayne Burno~

Yes, I just saw him Thursday night in NY. Quite a shock.

How tragic! He was only 43?

hornplayer wrote:How tragic! He was only 43?

Yes, June. Sad, but true.

The following explains a few things.

Pianist Jason Lindner, a peer of Burno’s, posted on Facebook:

"We lost a true master of the double bass yesterday. Dwayne Burno, 43, schooled and inspired me as one of the bassists I played most with — in my big band and together with Roy Haynes, Jimmy Vass, Myron Walden, Eric McPherson, Daniel Freedman and so many others through the years. Dwayne embodied the very best of jazz and bass, harmony and rhythm, intellect and feel, language and improvisation. I am humbly grateful to have been able to have musical exchanges with him as much as I did. A gentleman and a scholar. Dwayne lived his last years with a new kidney while performing the globe and raising a family. Smalls Jazz Club will honor him and plans to hold fund raising for his services and his family."

Here is a link to a well-done blog which includes a wonderful post from Burno to NPR.

Ottawa Citizen Jazzblog


IMPORTANT:

Burno is survived by his wife, Wendy, and seven-year-old son, Quinn. This online fundraising appeal has been created to help them with funeral costs and other expenses associated with their sudden loss.

I and many thousands are devastated about losing Dwayne, as a friend, colleague, fan, and family. aside from his being my long-time friend, in these days and times I can't think of a better bass player. he was so sensitive, knowledgeable, prolific and was only becoming better. he was writing his butt off as well. he actually posted a very poignant message on Christmas Eve on FB, filled with love and gratitude. Dwayne was only 43 years-old and had endured substantial medical problems. he even traveled the world for years with his medical equipment before he received his kidney transplant.


if you can, please contribute to a fund for his wife, Wendy, at www.fundly.com. Aside from his wife, Dwayne leaves his beloved 7 year-old son, Quinn. Wendy could really use our help as Dwayne was the only bread-winner in the family these past years.

another option for those who would like to contribute to the Burno Fund is through the Jazz Foundation of America.

Another way to help Dwayne's family:

Please make donations either online, here:
JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA - http://jazzfoundation.org/memory_honor
=OR=
MAIL A CHECK IN HONOR OF DWAYNE BURNO TO :
Jazz Foundation of America · 322 West 48th Street, 6th Floor · New York, NY 10036 · (212) 245-3999

I'm sorry to hear about this. He was so much fun to watch live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJPPc6MO_ec

Coda: thank you so much for posting this video. watching it provided me with some wonderful memories and some tears as well. with my good friend Dwayne gone, as well as Eddie Marshall, and Bobby in poor health, it was a difficult "watch".