[Dixielandjazz] String Bass Player Dave Martinsek

[Mike Woitowicz]

DJML Listmates:

Jazz music lost one of the Midwest's best string bassist, Dave Martinsek. Dave passed away in his sleep last Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. He had been in the Veteran's Home in Union Grove, WI for the last year. I visited with him just a few days before he passed and he told me that he had been in the facility for 52 weeks.

He played with numerous bands and many, many musicians over the years. For the last 25 years, he was the bassist in my trio, the Banjo Barons Ragtime Band. He also performed locally with other jazz groups, dance bands and polka groups (He played accordion and piano as well as string bass).

Possessing a great attitude, a love for music and an aptitude for always being on-time, he was the consummate sideman. He will be missed.

For some great views of him performing, you can check out the following youtube videos:

Tune: Fair & Warmer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG-XaBJLJYk

 

Tune: Sweet Georgia Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmST0tOOYRw&feature=channel

 

Tune: Mama Don't Allow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9rJUf9iHs&feature=channel

 

Tune: It Don't Mean A Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp0FKYlE_YU&feature=channel



R.I.P. old buddy.


Mike Woitowicz
The Banjo Barons Ragtime Band
The Dixie Barons Dixieland Band
Solo Banjo Shows
www.banjomusic.biz