R.I.P. David Walter

[Jeff Bollbach]

Copied from the ISB events page-
"An icon for the worldwide bass community, David Walter passed away July 1, 2003, at the age of 90. We were thrilled and honored that he was able to appear last month at the ISB convention in Richmond, where his masterclass was one of the week's highlights. His devotion to music and learning, his humanity, sense of humor and generosity touched the lives of students for over five decades. David was a friend and supporter of the ISB from the earliest days, and we will miss him enormously even as we celebrate his long life. Well done, David Walter! You will always have our love and respect. There will be a service this Thursday, July 3, at 10 a.m., Temple Rodoff Sholom, 7 West 83rd Street, just off Central Park West in New York City. Donations in memory of David Walter may be sent to the ISB or to the David Walter Charitable Trust, c/o Lawrence Newman, Esq., 1633 Broadway, 46th Fl., New York City, NY 10019"

[Dondi]

Reading about Mr. Walthers passing got me to thinking about how our history is passing before us. As a musician in his forties, I have been touched by the life and music of these masters. Iv'e spent many hours, for example, practicing to Mr. Walthers, play-along recordings.
In the last two years, we have been deprived of not only Mr. Walthers, but Julius Levine, Ray Brown, and Milt Hinton.
If you knew, even in passing, any of these men, and have a little bit of their wisdom to pass on to us, please make a posting. It bonds us all and keeps their valuable legacy alive and vibrant. I myself, have posted about my time as a student of Mr. Levine's. My hope is that you think about the legacy of the man just a little when you hear his historic recording of the "Trout" quintet, and it makes the listening experience that much richer.