Duane Jarvis, R.I.P.
DUANE JARVIS, DEAD OF COLON CANCER
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We lost famed musician DUANE JARVIS at the age of 51, on Tuesday night, March 31. RANDY LEWIS shared an email from RoundUp Media that reads, ”Duane passed on last night. His journey was peaceful and he now rests in a better place. Please continue to share your memories of our wonderful friend DJ here and keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. This is certainly sad news and my heart goes out to his loved ones.”
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Duane’s many collaborations include tenure with ROSIE FLORES, DAVE ALVIN, JOHN PRINE, DWIGHT YOAKAM, THE DIVINYLS, VICTORIA WILLIAMS, P.F. SLOAN, ANNY CHELSEA, and more recently, sitting-in with M. WARD and recording with PETER NOONE of HERMAN’S HERMITS. Duane is heard on soundtracks for “Horse Whisperer,” “The Rookie,” and numerous other films. He built a solid fan-base in Europe, where the German edition of “Rolling Stone” declared Duane’s album, “Delicious,” a “four-star CD.”
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That 2007 show that honored Duane, in his absence, featured performances by MARK LINDSAY, MASON WILLIAMS (Classical Gas), THE KINGSMEN, JON KOONCE, and EVERCLEAR. No doubt many musicians will to continue honor Duane, with tributes from the stage, for a long time to come.
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The L.A. Times had run a piece, on March 25, with a 2007 photo of Duane with CHARLIE LOUVIN. The Times piece centers on Duane entering hospice care following the impending end of his 16-month struggle against colon cancer (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/03/duane-jarvis-in.html). In it, his brother KEVIN JARVIS wrote, “It’s been a tough fight, but Duane has faced it with tremendous grace, never losing his sense of humor or his positive outlook on life.”
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That was in a note sent to family members, friends and fans. Kevin continued, “His music has kept him going, and us entertained. In the past five months alone Duane has endured two major surgeries, three rounds of chemo, numerous trips to the ER, and many weeks in the hospital. Unfortunately, Duane’s cancer has now reached terminal status and he will no longer be seeking curative treatment.”
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Kevin presented the outlook, as it was then: “He has recently moved into an apartment near his beloved ocean in Marina Del Rey where he is under the care of loved ones and Providence TrinityCare Hospice.”
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A fund was already established to help with the cost of the treatment and emergency room visits, as well as other expenses Duane incurred during his battle with cancer.
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It is the sadly familiar story, of any musician who fights illness or is attempting to recover from an injury: with no universal health care, and the uncertainty of income as a musician, there is little or no health insurance coverage. Bills become astronomical, and families are left with them – even after the patient is gone. Donations to help pay Duane’s medical bills can be sent to the Pray for Tomorrow Fund, 2554 Lincoln Blvd., No. 1010, Venice, CA 90291.
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“The love surrounding Duane grows stronger with each contribution, good wish, prayer, song,” his brother added, “and Duane is grateful beyond words.”
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Hailing from Portland and California, Duane Jarvis was known in Nashville. Those Portland roots brought his induction into the OREGON MUSIC HALL OF FAME in October, 2007. His touring schedule prevented him from attending the Hall’s first ceremony. Duane is enshrined there with fellow Oregonians ROBERT CRAY, JON KOONCE, and PAUL REVERE AND THE RAIDERS.
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As Duane’s myspace page says, he “could rightly be called the consummate singer-songwriter. However, that description doesn’t include his mastery of guitar, mandolin, bass and other sounds of delight. Whether he’s writing a sunset with Lucinda Williams or chiseling a groove with Frank Black, DJ carves out a unique place for himself in the spotlight while showcasing the artists he works with. His own songs are eclectic, a self-described country-soul rock-n-roll. Melodic full-tilt tunes weave through his collections.” It contains the hopeful admonition, “Look for DJ’s newest CD out soon, and say hello if you can make one of the current tour dates!”
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Duane’s own band featured well-known L.A. musicians Dave Meshell on bass & vocals, Steve Mugallian on drums, Carl Byron on piano, organ, vocals and more.
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More about Duane and his music career at www.myspace.com/duanejarvis.
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DWIGHT YOAKAM remembered Duane today on the L.A. Times online, at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/04/dwight-yoakam-remembers-duane-jarvis.html
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– Larry Wines, programmer-producer-host, “Tied to the Tracks” acoustic Americana radio, syndicated from Los Angeles, with live in-studio performance-interviews, included in “The Best of L.A. 2006” radio lineup by Los Angeles Magazine; editor, “Acoustic Americana Music Guide & News” at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com and http://community.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks and additional “TttT” news is on the No Depression page and at www.myspace.com/laacoustic; Larry is a consultant to artists, musicians, songwriters, festivals, and the music biz, and a feature writer and columnist for FolkWorks (www.folkworks.org).
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Check-out Larry’s latest column for FolkWorks at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35858/3176 and the extensive “BEST OF 2008 / TOP TEN” feature for FolkWorks, available at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166
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PS – No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a substantial number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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