Hey Folks,

Here’s another post that has little to do with photography. I recorded this little piece tonight, in tribute to one of my favorite guitar players, Jeff Healey, who died recently. Jeff was a bluesman and musician of the highest order. I hadn’t heard the news until a few days a ago, and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Jeff was an amazing musician, full of all the fire, passion and soul we all aspire to. I had the great fortune to see Jeff play on a tour to Australia years back, in the late 80’s, at a small venue in Sydney, and he was awesome. Jeff tore it up like few other musicians would, stepping into realms few other players dare venture – it takes an awful lot of courage to play with the kind of passion Jeff did – because there’s nothing left uncovered, nothing that isn’t completely exposed when you bare open your soul like that. It’s an inspiration to witness that level of honesty in a human being.

Jeff suffered from a rare form of cancer, Retinoblastoma, and as a result lost his eyesight early in his childhood. The cancer finally took his life, at age 41, March 2nd, 2008.

Jeff played guitar in an unorthodox manner, seated, with the guitar horizontal across his lap, fingering the left hand notes from above the guitar, like a piano player might play, and his right hand strumming horizontally across the strings. I couldn’t even imagine trying to play like that, and was left in awe after watching Jeff rip for 2 solid hours, playing the blues like a man possessed.

Jeff, the world’s a better place because of you and the gifts you shared; we’ll all miss you. Deepest and most sincere best wishes to your wife and two little children, Derek and Rachel. In recognition of your first album, “See The Light”, I’m sure you’re now in a place where you see the light forever, brother. In two words Jeff, Thank you.

Cheers

Carl

I wish I had a bass to play on the track, and some keyboards, but for now, a couple of guitar tracks and a simple drum pattern will do. Maybe one day I’ll flesh it out and play it properly, but for the moment, I like the spontaneity and raw feel of this take. Please don’t download it without permission.

R.I.P, Jeff.

(I removed this audio because the plugin that was used to display it broke.)