Friends Remember

A Memory Blog dedicated to Larry Nozero

Please use the blog address  [ memoryblog-at-larrynozero.com] to share your stories, thoughts, and memories of Larry Nozero.

Thank you.

11-02-2005

Remembering Larry - From Derel Monteith

I was one of Larry's staff pianists at Grand Hotel during the 1992 season, Larry's last year as music director there.  I had the pleasure of performing with him several nights each week for about five months.  My primary memories of Larry revolve around his sense of humor and his elegant playing.  He lightened the workaday attitude of the music staff with his humor.  Whether answering the phone with a lispy "is this the person to whom I'm speaking?," having the band wear thick plastic clown glasses on stage, or caressing his horn during a deliberately over-schmaltzy rendition of some unavoidable dance band standard, he made the gig much more fun.  Of course, his playing was a regular source of musical inspiration.  I have particularly fond memories of his alto flute playing on "Someday My Prince Will Come" and his ballad playing on alto sax, but he always sounded great.  We'll miss you Larry.

Derel Monteith

From Tom Brown

Larry made me smile in a number of different situations.  First, as a listener, my fondest memories were the samba days of the early seventies.  I used to sit in the audience with my mouth hanging open listening to Larry and Danny Spencer just burning ridiculously up-tempo sambas.

I was never a regular with Larry however, since the mid seventies I was fortunate enough to work at least 2 or 3 dates a year with him.  Being in this second situation, as a side-man, was exciting.  For a drummer, playing behind him was simultaneously a challenge and pure pleasure.

I have a number of audio tapes of dates we played over the years including my favorite, a night at ³The Perfect Blend².  This mid seventies hit had Larry playing soprano and leaning a bit in the direction of Coltrane.  He sounded wonderful.  A second favorite tape is an unreleased album we recorded at Mark Nilan¹s old studio in the early nineties that featured Ray Tini and Eddie Russ.  There were several good tracks and during the past few
years Larry occasionally talked about doing something with that date.

The third situation that I enjoyed with Larry was the conversation time we had during which we discussed relatively serious issues.  Larry was one of those rare individuals with no pretense.  We would end a deep discussion and pick it up 6 months later as if there was no time lapse whatsoever.  He struggled with having to compromise his playing in order to please a larger sector of his audience.  In addition, acknowledging the great talent of his
regular side men, he often complained about not being able to pay them what
they deserved because of limited club budgets, and he discussed how he might correct that situation.

After not seeing you for a period of time, he would walk up with a big smile, look you straight in the eye, shake your hand, give you a hug and maybe a kiss, and ask how you felt.  I miss that most of all.

Tom Brown

 
8/11/2005
From Dennis Ashley

I knew Larry quite well on the Detroit jazz scene, and had numerous occasions to hear him live…he was pure musical genius…and a pure gentle giant of a person.  He will be missed by all of his family, his peers, and his fans alike.  Catch you at the gates, Larry

I knew Larry quite well on the Detroit jazz scene, and had numerous occasions to hear him live…he was pure musical genius…and a pure gentle giant of a person.  He will be missed by all of his family, his peers, and his fans alike.  Catch you at the gates, Larry.

7/27/2005
From Peter Martin
Filed under:

General
— site admin @ 1:57 pm

Larry and I were in the 5th. Army Band together in 1966-67.  Even then he was a masterful musician who was equally proficient in classical clarinet playing as well as jazz saxophone. He was unique as a person . . not afraid to show his soulful passion and his personal warmth. I will never forget Larry for his inspiration and commitment to excellence.  He lives on in our memories as another giant . .a gentle one as well . .they are the best kind.  God’s peace to you Larry.  I love you buddy.

http://www.petermartinjazz.com
Comments (0)

5/23/2005
From Don Dillon
Filed under:

General
— site admin @ 12:42 pm

A great (and very patient) teacher, and an even greater friend.

– Don Dillon
Comments (0)

4/29/2005
From Robert Dempster

Larry was the first “professional” artist that performed and backed me on a song! It meant a lot to me and through the years we became friends…I was surprised about his passing…He is missed and respected…He truly had the “Connection” going with his art, spirit and people…I’m sure you’ll be jammin in Heaven…and I hope I can play one more song with you!

Brothers,

Robert Dempster
www.dempsterdesigns.com

4/28/2005
Memories of “The Man”

Larry could turn a miserable day into moments of calm, peace and relaxation.  He always gave his best and had a way of touching each person in the audience.

He was a big hit in our first Arboretum JazzFest when we lived in Plymouth.  Needless to say, every trip back from Tennessee included a drop-in to get a fix of Larry’s straight ahead jazz.  He leaves a hole in the heart and mind that can’t be filled.

With deepest regard and appreciation.

Steve & Mary Ann Geoffre

4/19/2005
From Louis Smith

We really miss Larry.  He was not only a great musician and arranger, he was also so very kind, gentle, and understanding with his fellow musicians.  

– Louis Smith

4/18/2005
From Ed Van Slambrouck

Larry charmed us all – in his kind demeanor and with his horn. A lovable guy with the talent and art of Woods, Pepper, Desmond, and Tristano mixed and improved which gave us a  level of unparalleled musical joy each time he performed.

Yet he was a man of charity with an awareness of social needs. In 2003, Larry graciously accepted a gig at the Food Bank of Oakland County’s warehouse in Pontiac. He did not accept any fee for the performance of his quintet that night in December. This jazz-gift to the FBOC was a deed from his large heart. I remember I told him that I thought that he was blessed by God with his art. He said something like: Thanks, I guess so. And it was and is so.

One of the tunes Larry played that night was “Lush Life.” Larry’s life was rich with love of music and people. His life was indeed lush. We miss him.

Ed Van Slambrouck

4/14/2005
Only the Noze Knows

This is title of a Ballad that I just finished writing in Larry’s memory (and for my memories as well). I am enclosing a photo that I took at Clyde and Pam’s Kwanza Party…..my last time with Larry. I miss you brother. – Doug Halladay.

link to photo:
http://www.larrynozero.com/chip_benefit.htm
(copy and paste into Browser)

4/12/2005
Favorite Quote - from Jan Sansom

Like most musicians, Larry played his heart out and too often, the “public” (not fans) would be talking over the music. Larry would politely ask: “Are we playing too loud for your talking?”

– Jan Sansom

4/11/2005
From Stan DeSouza - Toronto

I was sorry to hear about Larry Nozero’s departure. I heard him play every year at the Detroit Jazz Festival. As an alto saxophone player, he had terrific technique and a wonderful sense of improvisation. I was disappointed not to see him on stage last September at the Jazz Festival. I had a souvenir of Canada for him. I sent him a couple of emails recently to inquire about his health. I made contact with him two years ago over his “Antonio Carlos Jobim” project and I distributed his CD’s to the Radio Stations in Toronto and Montreal. Please convey my sympathies to his family.

Stan DeSouza
Toronto
(416) 695-1565

Tiny Bubbles - from Mark Moultrup

Larry and I worked together several times, once with his band, a few times in the bread aisle at Krogers, a number of times with Mark Randisi, and JT. What I enjoyed the most was when he worked with my band and played fills behind my singing. For me, he was the best. I could hear his harmonic orientation, and even though I would improvise the harmony and melody, he would still be right there! A favorite moment: A job with John Trudell. I had just set up, alone on the stage, Larry walks up with his horn and plays the first three notes of "Tiny Bubbles", then just kind of looked at me. I thought for a second, then somehow, in the same key, played the next three. We both laughed, and I said, "you started it", and he said, "you finished it". A great laugh. I am also thankful for Larrys’ willingness to talk to me, and probably, all the cats. Many a time, I’d call him for a job, and an hour and a half later, we had talked about what kind of music to put on a CD, artistic fulfillment, marketing ideas, and on and on. There just seemed to be an avenue that opened up when I talked to him…something very relevant and prevelant. Many laughs, many.  Thank God for the heart that beats in all of us and the exceptional people that grace our lives.  Larry…rest well.  Mark    (http://www.markmoultrup.com)

4/9/2005

Welcome to a Memory Blog for Your Thoughts and Memories

Over the past few months, I’ve heard bits and pieces of memories about Larry and the impact he had on so many people. One consistent theme I heard was that so many people connected with Larry and felt he was a great friend. Larry’s amazing gift to connect with listeners was apparent at every gig. He would give us those “musical offerings” (as he often said) by allowing us a glimpse into his soul through his music. Larry’s openness and vulnerability created a space where listeners could delight in the genius of his art and experience for a few brief hours a sort of collective bliss and shared passion for the music. Thank you Larry, for the musical offerings. – Diane W. (the webmaster)

Please use the blog address  [ memoryblog-at-larrynozero.com] to share your stories, thoughts, and memories of Larry Nozero.

Thank you.