Still mourning Leroi Moore

I'm having a hard time getting started on anything this morning as I sit here thinking about all of the Dave Matthews Band shows I've gone to (it's got to be over 20 by now - I stopped counting) and all the times I've enjoyed listening to the sweet sax and clarionet riffs of the late great Leroi Moore.

There are loads of tribute videos already up on YouTube, but this is one of the best I've found - a moving montage of some pretty great Moore riffs. I've always said that the band's music must be seen live to be appreciated, and Moore was one of the biggest reasons I felt that way. At about the 4:30 mark in the video above, my favorite part of the song Warehouse begins - Roi's sweet sax brings it home.

As Dave Matthews himself said at Staples Center last night, "It's always easier to leave than be left," Matthews told the crowd, according to Ambrosia Healy, the band's publicist. "We appreciate you all being here."

According to a story in the Charlottesville Daily Observer, last night at the show Dave went on to describe the first time he had ever heard Moore play:

Matthews went on to describe the first time he heard Moore play saxophone. While at a gig, Moore grew tired of standing, leaned against a cash register to rest and started to play.

"He played the most beautiful version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' I'd ever heard in my life," Matthews said. "That's the day I fell in love with him. I'm still in love with him."

So are the band's fans around the world, including me. So long, friend - you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Leroi Moore...

It's pretty hard to describe what I'm feeling right now - I just read online that Leroi Moore, saxophonist for my favorite band in the whole wide world, The Dave Matthews Band, passed away earlier today from complications from his ATV accident some days ago.

What I've always loved about the band is that it's comprised of talented musicians, and they all bring something special, and irreplaceable, to the band. And those who know me best have heard me say on many occasions how much I love Moore's mellowing (and sometimes, appropriately wailin') saxophone solos. I still can't believe I'll never hear him play again.

Rest in peace, Leroi. It's impossible to thank you enough for all of the joy your music has brought millions of fans around the world over the years, and me personally, but I'll write it anyway - thanks for the memories and your passion for being the best you could be, and for sharing your talents with all of us. You will never, ever be forgotten, and your music will live on in our hearts forever.