RIP Steve Neil

[TomSauter]

I got this email today, Steve Neil wasn't a household name, but he was an incredible bassist and a big influence on Charnett Moffett and many others

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Steve Neil passed away on Sunday.

He had developed a severe case of pneumonia, along with congestive heart failure. When he went to the hospital Saturday, both lungs were completely full of fluid. He ended up having open heart surgery to repair holes in a couple of arteries. He made it through the surgery, but then they couldn't get his blood pressure back up.

He had been living on the Cape for the past year-plus. Joanie, his partner, says he had been doing very well. She also thinks he may have known the end was near.

I am remembering a lot of wonderful music - as well as the unique acts like riding around on his bicycle with an upright bass on his back.

Peace to a truly gifted musician.
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Here's some great clips of him too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4nM4...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouLfV...eature=related

[Francois Blais]

RIP Steve!

BTW, is it today or past sunday?

Best regards,
François

[TomSauter]

Not sure

EDIT: last Sunday

[svenbass]

Thanks for the info ... Steve was my teacher, a dear friend, and a deep inspiration to me. I had been out of touch for the past year and found out through a mutual friend of his passing this afternoon. He truly was an amazing musician and bassist of the highest order!

[damonsmith]

He was a great player. What a bummer. the Youtube clips are fantastic.

[Naeem]

Had the honor and pleasure of meeting steve neil back in 1994Studied with him for about a year, got to see him play live with Pharoh Sanders. We was on my mind for the last year , but could never find away to contact him. This news is shocking. I feel honored to have known such a great great muscian, and he was really GREAT.