Please send us your stories, memories, thoughts about John and his music. We will post them for friends and family to read as we receive them.
To add your thoughts, email us with the subject "Notes for John Guerin": .
From
John Daversa: |
John
was a strong and special spirit full of love and fire. I feel very blessed to have had him as a friend and I've cherished every time we've played together. For me, and I'm certain for many others, he was a source of constant musical inspiration. I will miss John's friendship and musicianship terribly, but I will always keep him close to my heart. I love you, John, Peace be with you, John Daversa |
From
Kim Richmond: |
Yes,
John was a special musician, a BRILLIANT drummer, an irrepresible spirit. Very early in my career, we were doing a jingle recording session together, one of my first sessions, and he came over after one take and whispered in my ear "I think your pitch is a little sharp," so as not to embarrass me. I was always in admiration of him musically, especially his free (for the time) drumming style. I didn't have a chance to play any jazz with him (he thought of me primarily as a composer/arranger until about ten years back, when we had a chance to do a jazz gig together). He complimented me by saying "Hey Kim, I had no idea!" That was a personal triumph for me because I admired him so much. Just two little-known examples of his genius (in my eyes) are playing an entire film cue for Lalo Schifrin for just drums (all improvised by John) on the movie "Kelly's Heroes." I was at the session listening, and John made it very creative. The other example was his playing on "Gate of Dreams" by Michael Columbier. I enjoyed playing in Mike Barone's band with John, especially at rehearsal where I faced him. I could always tell how we were doing from John's face. He was an expressive guy. He's given me some great memories and inspiration. Thanks John! KIM Richmond |
From
Patti Witten: |
I
just heard about John's death on the musicthoughts list (CD Baby artists.) Very sad news. He was a star of my early times. I saw his name in the credits of all my favorite albums. He shaped my sensibilities for perfect acoustic-rock drumming, a standard I took to all the ensembles I would join, in the same way Joni influenced my guitar, voice and writing. I owe so much to musicians like him. Sincere condolences to John's family and friends. I will listen to some LPs today and remember. Patti Witten |
From
Aileen: |
John
will be missed greatly by all of us. We are all saddened by this news. I can only pass a wish for peace and comfort to his family and those loved ones. We will shed tears for this great loss and void that has been created in the music world with his passing. But even through those tears we will know how blessed we have all been with his gift fo music. And that he shared this wonderful gift with all of us. We will thank the powers that be for having been blessed with this gift. And though he has been physically taken from us. His gift will continue to be a blessing for generations to come. For the gift of music is the one blessing that never dies. It is the one true personal blessing that lives through to the end of time itself. And all of our lives have been made better from his gift of music. My heart weighs heavy with the news of this great loss. Aileen |
From
Carol Morell: |
John
has been so much a part of our lives. I remember when I first met him
he was playing at Bonesville, but I was too young to get in the club.
He was a part of all our important occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, etc. He was an integral part of our boys’ lives, whether participating in Justin’s musical growth or going to Chris’ baseball games. Some of my best memories were of our weekly poker games that went on for a number of years. We took a percentage of each pot and put it into the kitty. At John’s suggestion, we took the money and all went to Mexico. What fun. Be it conversation or music, John was a great listener......and a great audience. His musical legend is well known to all. But not many were lucky enough to have him in their lives as we did. John was a very private person. We were so lucky that he chose to let us in. We will miss him so. Carol |
From
David Mingus: |
What
a sad day to learn of John"s passing. I have listened to his work
for 33 years on now. I play his LA Express days with Joni Mitchell almost
everyday. I'm sure he is with all the other great "Saints" of
music. He will live on in my world every day until the day I depart
this life. I have given his music to all of my friends as gifts
for years so they can hopefully get the joy and inspiration that
I have gotten from it. There will be a candle burning in my house
for him and on the 18th I will dedicate the entire day to his work. My Best to all his family and friends! Peace |
From
Rita Hoffman: |
I
didn't know John the musician, I knew John the husband, who made my girlfriend
Michelle very happy. Michelle and I have been friends for over 15 years
and I never saw her happier or more at peace as I did when she was married
to John. Thank you John for giving her all those years of love and joy.
Rest in peace and music. Rita Hoffman. |
From
Jeff Fish: |
| I just found out this morning about John's passing and send my love to his family. John inspired me through his playing; he was one of my favorite drummers. His tasty, creative playing with the L.A. Express, Joni Mitchell and Michael Franks on his album Art of Tea and other albums inspire my playing to this day. Thank You John! Sincerely, Jeff
Fish |
From
John Beasley: |
When
I first got to town, John was playing a lot at a club called Snookeys on Pico in West LA. (1979-80 ?) I was a skinny, snot-nose, arrogant 18 year old hanging out and trying to learn form a great lyrical trumpet player named Don Sleet. Don and John had come up together years earlier in San Diego. John got Don a gig there and I ended up playing with the two of them 2 nights a week for 6 months or so. I was, of course, completely in awe of John's playing and reputation, so I was blown away when he made me feel as though I was "one of the cats"! That's the way he was. I'll never forget that look he would give me when I was comping too rhythmically or playing too many notes or especially not swinging! He was a great bandstand teacher! I wish I would have told him how much those gigs meant to me. I'll miss knowing he's out there somewhere playing that fantastic > shuffle beat. love to all,
|
From
Carl Arena: |
While
on vacation in California in the mid 80's, I made it a point to stop in at the Professional Drum Shop in Hollywood. I had known Stan, the owner so I hung out at the shop for an afternoon. John walked in and I was introduced to him immediately. John was at Local 47 across the street for an afternoon rehearsal band. I told him I was a fan of his playing from the L A Express days. With one band I was in, we covered L A Express tunes from the first album. Carl Arena |
From
Alphonse Mouzon: |
I'm
in shock and I'm saddened by the sudden death of John Guerin. John was
a great drummer who displayed an impeccable feeling for pop and jazz. I saw John playing with trumpeter Carl Saunders last year at a club in Santa Monica. John played great that night, as always! I will miss him dearly! Heaven is procuring one swinging drummer!
|
From
Benny Golson: |
I
met John Guerin when I first came to Los Angeles in 1957 to write for
television. The first thing that caught my attention was his style: loose, yet very controlled, never getting in the way, but rather adding to whatever was going on around him. There was a particular beat he had that I tried to use when I went back East to record. Unfortunately no one played it quite like him. Years went by before I saw John again after I left for
New York once again. When I received an e-mail from Mike Melvoin about his
passing, my heart sank Sorry I cannot be there, but I am there. Benny Golson |
From
Mark Sanchez: |
Sam
Bradley did an interview with John some years ago and made mention
He'd always thought Joni's lyric "the gift of your extra time" was
for John. As an awkward kid, John listened to the questions I asked, busted my chops if it was warranted and on one of Roger Kellaway's visits to LA, said "You should come out and hear this trio" I remember the gig, it was the only time I'd ever seen ALL the studio drummers together in one room. John held court. Thank You John, "for the gift of your extra time" Mark Sanchez |
From
Shawn Crosby: |
| John is being remembered in a forum thread on the sinatra family site, being that he played with frank on the "ol' blues eyes is back" sessions. Here is the link if you'd like to check it out |
From
Dr. Michael Stephans: |
For
many of us in the drum world, John was the standard we aspired to. For
me personally, John was an important role model in that he was a great
jazz musician, and a brilliant musical craftsman, in even the most ridiculously
demanding studio settings. John did it all, and he did so with consummate
skill and unflagging passion. In recent years, I had the pleasure of subbing
for John quite a bit in Mike Melvoin's trio, and as a result, we got to
know each other a little better. We had some wonderfully heart-felt conversations
and I am happy to have had John as my friend. Fortunately for all, John
will never really be very far away. His music will always burn brightly
for all who open their hearts to it. Peace to you, my friend. And thanks for all that you've given us. |
From
Woody Isbell |
I
was both shocked and saddened by the news of John's passing, for he held
a very special place in my heart. I almost thought of him as one of my
sons, and I always felt that the feeling was indeed reciprocal - at least
that was the way he treated me.
I knew him for nearly half a century - since he came to work with me in 1956 at the tender age of 17, along with pianist Mike Wofford. As far as I know, it was the first "professional jazz gig" for both of them. This was at a roadside inn in CardiffByTheSea, CA. - a place called the Beacon Inn. After a couple of months on that gig, John showed up for work one Sunday toting a saxophone, which he proceeded to play with vigor, enthusiasm and no short measure of pure talent, in complete contradiction to the general wisdom that one doesn't learn to play an instrument in just a couple of months! He was amazing in his grasp and feel for "time" (which is exactly why I hired him in the first place). All of the times I've been with him over the years have been filled with a bountiful dose of joy, warmth, and loving ... I already miss him terribly. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to his lovely wife Michele, and to the rest of his surviving family. Woody Isbell |
From
Dr. Lou Fischer: |
As
a bassist, I have been tremendously blessed through the years to have performed in so many settings with so many of the world's greatest drummers. Publicly, John and I never had the chance to perform together, but we did have the ocassion to spend many days together in the studios back in the mid to late seventies in Dallas, Texas and again in LA in 1979. John made a significant impact on my decision to become a jazz player full time. After working one particularly long and grueling jingle session in Dallas, John was in the audience that evening listening to a performance with a group called High Rise, co-lead by myelf and another great drummer Steve Houghton. John and I spent many days talking about my performance of that particular evening. He was one of the first individuals to encourage me to look beyond making money in the studios, to visit my inner most thoughts... to focus in on what it was I wanted to contribute to the world as a musician. It is hard to imagine that such a small encounter as we had, would actually play out into a major direction change for me. I thank John so much for sharing his encouragement, his wisdom, his insight into my true calling life....jazz and jazz education. Without it, I personally might have missed out on what has now proven to be some of the most memorable musical times in my life. Be at Peace, my friend. Dr. Lou Fischer |
From
Jerri L. Parker: |
I
was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the death of John Guerin through
a fellow classmate of San Diego High School. John was a special and supportive
friend, as we shared youthful experiences in several classes, including
drama in high school. I always knew he was a talented and serious musican,
even in thoses days gone by. We were so proud when he was offered a professional
gig prior to graduation from high school. I knew he had what it took to
be very successful.
John Guerin was not only a talented musican, but a gentle and kind spirit, who made his mark in the world successfully, and will be deeply missed by this old friend. I pray that the Lord will give you the strength to withstand the pain and loss of your husband, father, brother, relative and/or friend. We share the loss. Godspeed. Jerri L. Parker |
From
Morgan Ames: |
| Thank you for memorializing this site so beautifully. John was surely in the middle of the golden age of L.A. studio recording, and he is in the center of my memories of that busy, fretful, funny, brilliant time.
|
From
Chris Colangelo: |
I
was so surprised when I heard of the passing of John. He was a great musician
and he will be missed by all who knew him. He taught me a lot just by
playing with him. When I played with John, I always got the sense that
he was listening so hard to everything going on around him that you always
had to be on your toes. The first time that I played with him he wanted
me to give him more energy and he asked me while we were playing but,
John did it in such a positive and nice way, I couldn't help but learn
from it. That's the kind of guy he was. I never played the same after
that gig, I always gave my all. It was always nice to see that smile he
used to give when everything was swinging. I saw that smile on Dec. 6,
and will miss that and him. I'm fortunate that I had the opportunity to
play with the great John Guerin. My thoughts and prayers go out to his
family. Bassist Chris Colangelo |
From
Peter Bylsma: |
I
met John several times at his and other musicians shows throughout So
Cal. He was always gracious, accessible and had a smile on his face. He simply loved music and it sure showed. I recently introduced LA Express to my kids, telling them "This guy played with everybody and you can tell from his playing why so many great players loved playing with him." I am saddened we
have lost such a good spirit and am glad his music will Sincerely |
From
Phil Johnson: |
On
Monday, Jan 12, my oldest son called me in New York and told me about
John's death. He had heard the news on the Bay Area jazz station KCSM.
After hearing that John had died, I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't stop thinking about him. I felt like part of my childhood and youth had disappeared with his death. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I got up and searched for an hour and a half on the internet for any sites that had information about him. It was like I was trying to recapture him. I found your web site, created with love and care. I look at the pictures and see the feeling in John's eyes. John was born on October 31, 1939. I was born on October 17. I grew up with John through elementary school, junior high, and high school in San Diego. He was a good friend, the first person my age with whom I could share my love of jazz. Even in elementary school, John was the hippest guy around. At the age of nine or ten he gave a little talk in our class about jazz. I remember him saying that the guys were called cats and the women were called chicks. If memory serves me, John's Uncle Jack was a drummer with a local band. I remember hearing that his uncle put John up on the drum stool and let him play when he was just a little kid. When we were in junior high, John and I would go to the five and dime stores in our Hillcrest neighborhood and ferret out jazz 45s from stacks of pop records. I have a lot of great memories, going over to the old two story house where John lived with his mother and aunt near Balboa Park, listening to records in his room, hearing him practice on his drum set. I remember John telling me when Charlie Parker was coming to San Diego with Jazz at the Philharmonic. John would always tip me off to the latest sounds: a super fast up tempo track of It Don't Mean a Thing by Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie; the first 10-inch lp by the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet on EmArcy records. When I was in high school, I borrowed my grandmother's set of marimbas and I was trying to play them. John came over to the house with his friends, piano player Mike Wofford and trumpeter Don Sleet. They improvised some pieces, using the marimbas, and recorded the music on a little portable recorder. In the late 1950s-early 1960s, I used to go see John play in a quintet at a jazz club in a little beach town north of San Diego. The club owner played bass, Mike was on piano, Don on trumpet, the tenor player was Gary, and of course, John was driving the group on drums. They were playing great hard bop. When I was writing songs and lyrics in the 1970s, John was very helpful. Max Bennett wrote a tune called Velvet Lady that the LA Express recorded. I wrote a lyric for the tune and sent it to John, who gave it to Max, who liked it. In those days I used to stop off at John's place in the San Fernando Valley and visit when I drove down to San Diego from the Bay Area. I remember when he started producing recording sessions for vocalists like OC Smith and Terry Garthwaite. He played me the reel to reel tape from a session he had just produced for Terry. I can still feel John's presence on Joni Mitchell's Miles of Aisles, Court and Spark, and Hissing of Summer Lawns. I last saw him play when my father and I went to see Joe Farrell, with John on drums, at the Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society in Half Moon Bay. Recently I moved from the Bay Area to New York City. I phoned John a month ago. We had a long conversation. He said he was coming here to play at the Blue Note in February or March. I was going to go hear him. I told him I was looking forward to seeing him again. He said, "Oh, we'll talk before then. I keep thinking of things I want to say to him. To John's family: my deepest condolences. Bright spirit, you still flow through our lives. --Phil Johnson |
From
Gregg Trompeter: |
Just
read of John Guerin's death in the latest issue of Entertainment
Weekly. I actually gasped & said "Oh no!" aloud. If you have the
connections, please convey my sympathies to his family. Oddly, my sole
familiarity with the man's talent was his sublime (I don't know how else
to describe it) performance on Roger McGuinn's version of "The Water
Is Wide" thirty some-odd years ago. After reviewing his discography,
I'm more acquainted with him & his work than I thought. Later tonight,
I'll retrieve a few CDs from my "archive" & get to know
him a little better. For now, I plan to crack a beer & listen to "The
Water Is Wide" for the thousandth amazing time. I'll probably play
it at least twice. So here's to John Guerin & his unique instrumental
mastery, myriad quiet contributions to various genres of terrific music
& to his legacy, which, starting tomorrow, I'll be spreading with
the fervor of a born-again evangelist. Sincerely, Gregg Trompeter Richmond Maine |
From
Gary Coleman: |
had
i written something regarding john's passing it would have been about how we who have had the good fortune to produce a product that memorializes what we have done(good or bad) have in a sense, given to people a token of our talents and love of music, but unlike the people who can have these products to enjoy for so long as they wish, we are left with an additional bonus that is priceless...our memories of the people we joined with in the music making process...john left me that gift... |
From
Jerry Kessler: |
I
was deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. Over the years we often
participated in studio sessions together, whenever the rhythm and strings
were on the same dates. Not only was John a superb musician, but a gracious, congenial colleague. He always greeted me as cordially as if I were a rhythm player,and not "just" a string player. I extend my condolences to his family and also to his friends, colleagues and admirers (among whom I am privileged to count myself.) Jerry Kessler (Cello) |
From
Mitch Holder: |
| In the mid
'60's, I was still in high school and had the good fortune to
A few years
later I It's been
a pleasure |
From
Trevor Feldman: |
To
the dear family of John, I just wanted to say that John was the first drummer who really got me excited about playing drums. Just as I really became conscious of music, John was playing with my late father, Victor Feldman, who joined the L.A. Express just before Tom Scot left the band. I will always remember how riveted I was watching and listening to John. His exquisite and emphatic touch; his otherworldly sense of swing; his uncanny talent of imbuing jazz with a felicitous dose of rock, and rock with an elegant dose of jazz. All of this brought so much joy to my soul back then, and just thinking about it now has the same effect. My father loved John's otherwordly sense of time, and because both of them had such a great grasp of true rhythm, the combination of my father on piano and John on drums was simply glorious. When I think of genuine fusion or jazz rock, I think of John, Max Bennett, my father, et al jamming in the L.A. Express. These guys were genuine jazz musicians who crossed the boundery into rock, creating a magical world of musical syncretism that makes almost all other fusion that followed them sound like inferior rehash. I will always be trying to improve my drumming and piano playing by listening to John, and I will always be struck with a feeling of ineffable felicity when thinking of the days when I was lucky enough to come home from school and have one of the greatest drummers of all time rehearsing with my father. His rhythmic eloquence will live forever. I love you, John Sincerely, Trevor Feldman |
From
Jim Lofrano: |
I
met him once at Pasqualis on Coast Highway. A friend of mine was an assistant
to Roger Kellaway on A Star is Born{Rob Heman} took me to see them playing
in a jazz trio. As a drummer I followed his career from afar. Great drummer,
nice guy. Love, Jim |
From
Tommy Vig: |
John
Guerin was truly one of the greatest drummers ever lived, and I considered him a friend. We lost another irreplaceable person. Sincerely, |
From
Jeff Duffett: |
I'm
a cousin of John Guerin. My mother is his first cousin. I've never met
John but have have followed his career my whole life, and have listened
to him on countless recordings..everything I could get my hands on. I
knew his mother well, and his brother Michael who lives in Santa Rosa
and is a great guy and bears a resemblence to John. John had many times
hoped to show up at many a family gatherings, but alas, was always too
busy! I'll remember him always through my family's stories! Long live
John through our memories. Jeff Duffett |
From
Andrew Wade: |
I
am so sorry to hear of John Guerin's recent death. For years now I would
hear a piece of music and be struck by the sensitivity of the drummers
playing, and discover in the credits that John Guerin was the one playing.
This happened so often it was uncanny. I happened just a few weeks ago
when I repurchased a Frank Zappa album (Apostrophe) that I had worn out
years ago. I was, in fact, just talking to a friend just a few days ago about his playing and he suggested that I write a fan letter, (something I had never done in my life). So, this evening, I punched his name into google and was going to do just that when I learned that he was gone. In my opinion, he is the best drummer I have ever heard and I have listened to a lot of different drummers, being a lapsed student myself. My sincere condolences, Andrew Wade Toronto, Ont. |
From
Bill Courtright: |
In
1976 I had the thrill and pleasure of working with John Guerin. We were
recording an album in Orange County. I was a young beginner. He was with
Joni Mitchell, and had already become a legend in the recording industry.
I was thrilled to be in the same room with him. I was awed by him and
envious of him. By the time we completed our project, "Making Our Dreams Come True," the theme to TV's Laverne & Shirley, I had grown to love this kind, gentle and generous man. His talent was awesome, his sparkle was contagious. May he rest in peace. I, for only one, will never forget him. Bill
Courtright - Palm Springs, CA |
| From
Carolyn (Smith) Kissel: |
Thank
you for the wonderful write-ups about Johnny. He and I were SDHS friends
and classmates. My condolences are extended to his wife and family. My
heart is sad for them, but, Johnny truly is in a much better place and
undoubtedly a more content person where he is now. Sincerely, Carolyn (Smith) Kissel in Vernal, Utah |
From
Steve Moser: |
I'll
always remember John's seemingly effortless grooves on Joni Mitchell's 'Court and Spark' LP. He and Jim Gordon helped set the standard for what I wanted to achieve as a drummer and musician. His true knowledge of the groove was inspirational. He shall be missed. Steve |
From
Tommy De Martino: |
I
recently found out about the passing of John and I was compelled to write
this e-mail to give my heartfelt condolences to the family and to let
you know how badly I felt hearing this news. I am just another working
drummer in NYC but was a huge fan of John's style and music. He was a
major inspiration to me while I was studying music in college and will
remain in my memory as one of the great drummers. His wonderful work with
the L.A. Express, Michael Franks and countless others will always be in
my opinion classic and amazing work. I still listen to his body of work
and will always be a fan. God Bless John and his family. Thank you John for all your vision and talent. You've touched many a player. Best to his family,
|
From
Bill Courtright: |
In
1976 I had the thrill and pleasure of working with John Guerin. We were
recording an album in Orange County. I was a young beginner. He was with
Joni Mitchell, and had already become a legend in the recording industry.
I was thrilled to be in the same room with him. I was awed by him and
envious of him. By the time we completed our project, "Making Our Dreams Come True," the theme to TV's Laverne & Shirley, I had grown to love this kind, gentle and generous man. His talent was awesome, his sparkle was contagious. May he rest in peace. I, for only one, will never forget him. Bill
Courtright - Palm Springs, CA |
From
David Grossman: |
The
year was 1975. I was 19 years old, and a huge John Guerin fan studying
music at Berklee College of Music when L.A. Express came to Boston.
I asked after the show if there was a way to speak with John and
moments later there I was face to face with the man himself. I tentatively
asked (out of fear of rejection by this monster of a player) if
I could buy him a meal before he left town. While explaining he would
love to, but didn't have time, he said "I tell you what, kid - come back tomorrow
night as my guest and I'll put you as close to my drums as possible." Wow
- how cool was it that the musician I admired so much was a really
nice guy, as well !! I'll never forget one moment in that show
when , as I sat in awe as he did some superhuman polyrhythmic figure,
he looked at me and gave me an all-knowing wink. I took John out
for lunch a while back and thanked him again for inspiring me as
a musician, but also as a sensitive human being. I often remember
that moment when I am approached by new talent. While I never did know John well, it is very clear that this is a very great loss on so many levels. |
From
Linda Root: |
Back
in the late '50's, San Diego was the place to be if you loved live jazz. There was nothing better than Johnny Guerin in a drum battle or Don Sleet, making mellow on a trumpet that could make you laugh or cry. These guys were kids when I heard them play, and they were already the best. My Dad had known Gene Krupa, and talked alot about his style, but when he heard Johhny at a practice session in a Rolando Park neighborhood when I was in high school, he admitted that John could get more emotion out of a drum than even Krupa. Back in those days in eastern San Diego county, you didn't buy a CD to hear the best of the best. You just drove around in the neighborhoods not far from San Diego State, and you heard it coming from garages and backyards. Linda
Root |
From
Lee Venters: |
I
am in shock of the passing of one of the most giving instrumentalist that ever played the drums.At the age of 17 I was fortunate enough to see Joni Mitchell with LA Express.The whole feel accompanying Joni was based on the John Guerin feel.To this day I Find such an inspiration from John living through me as a player.I had the opportunity to meet John at Alphonses "91" in Burbank.I got sort of choked up to tell him how much his drumming ment to me.But I will always hold on to the inspiration that he has passed on to me. He will be missed terribly. My condolenses to the Guerin family Lee
Venters |
From
J. G. Weissgerber: |
I
remember in 1955 at San Diego High School. There was an assembly called the Battle of the Drums. John was one of the drummers, I don't remember who was the other. John was a brilliant drummer then and only got better as time went by. He will be missed and unreplaceable. J. G.
Weissgerber |
From
Rob Throckmorton: |
I
am so saddened and shocked by the news of John's passing. My father,
and fellow drummer, introduced me to Tom Scott and the LA Express
when I was a youngster. I would play along with Tom Cat every day,
windows wide open - the neighbors hated me. I even transcribed the
drum solo - a several week project. Then finally mom told me I was
old enough to watch a Clint movie - Dirty Harry, and there was that
unmistakable sound that can be only one person. Then one day on the
car radio, 'Help Me' came on and I told my mom that was John Guerin
playing. I went to the store and looked at every Joni record to find
the one with that particular song on it. Then the neighbors liked
me because at least I was playing to some new music. Then there was
Patrick Williams' 'Threshold', then Michael Franks, the examples go
on and on. I couldn't get enough. He was "my drummer."
He had the greatest influence on my playing over the years. But as accurate
as my transcription of that smokin' solo from the Tom Cat record was,
to this day, I just can't recreate that "John Guerin sound." John,
while I never met you, I'll will miss you!!!! Deepest sympathy
to all that knew and loved John Guerin. Rob Throckmorton Pittsburgh |
From John Baynton: |
| I've
been listening to the "Tom Cat" album by Tom Scott. John's
performance was absolutely brilliant. Just wanted to say how sorry
I am to hear he has passed away. I'm sure he was a real gentleman,
please accept my condolences. |
From
Tim Turner: |
I
too am saddened by the loss of John Guerin, one of my all time
Drum heroes. I was blessed by having known the Guerin family when
they were living on Riverside Dr. in Burbank in the early 70's. I was
a close friend to both his son Shaun and step son Scott. Being a
young musician myself, just 14 years old , I was in awe by John, who
was then playing with "Victor Feldman and the Good Vibes" a pre Tom Scott
and the L.A. Express ensemble. The family and I would go watch "Mr.
Guerin" at such jazz venues as "The Baked Potatoe" "Donte's" "The
Pilgramage Theater" and "The Lighthouse' in Hermosa
Beach. I would spend hours and hours listening and absorbing
this incredible live music.
There were other times when Tom Scott, Jim Gordon (fresh out of Derek and the Dominos) Chuck Domonico, and Victor Feldman and others would meet up at John's Riverside Dr. home (where we were hanging out in the pool) and jam in the back music room for hours! As I became aware of John's recording studio history I was amazed by his creativity, versitility and his groove. He was always pleasent to me and on numerous occasions dropped me off at my apartment on his way over the hilll to Hollywood for another studio gig. He always drove the coolest sports cars and was also seemed interested in my music. Even now it is still very special to hear Johnny's wonderful music on the radio. I will never forget those inspirational and magical moments with John Guerin. Tim Turner
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