Gordy and Marty rehearsing for "Night of the Flaming Badenovs"
Adam (rear), Linda Pitmon & Gordy
When I learned of Gordon's passing from Adam, it hit me hard. While not an alumnus of Scorgies per se, Gordon Luzius was a member of the Coffee Achievers, the Ken Hardly Playboys and a host of other bands over the years, most recently the Badenovs. Over the past few months I've been had the pleasure of writing songs with Gordon, Adam, Brandon and Marty in a collaborative effort we've been calling the "Tempo Project" for lack of a better name.
Gordon was a vital member of Badenovs, a kindred spirit and a good friend. I'll miss our lively discussions and his unique contributions to our music. Gordy loved swapping stories between making loud noises on whatever instrument he chose to play. If it made a sound, Gordon could make music out of it. Period. End of discussion. He was as gifted on the guitar as he was on saxophone, clarinet and penny whistle.
While some cynics feel Forty-Somethings and Fifty-Somethings should not be making Rock and Roll Music (Rosa Maria Ingrassia recommends staying at home and reading a good book as an alternative), I've always felt that too many people have pent-up ya-ya's that need to be released. Gordon got the Ya-Yas out.
Chas Lockwood reminded me today that one of our songs had its origin in Brockport. The song was originally written for Family Love Probe; the Badenovs revived it, added it to our first CD "Step On It Big Boy" and it has been a staple of our live set ever since. It's one that Gordy played with us many times over the past few years.
The lyrics have a new meaning now, and I'll always think of Gordy every time I hear the song:
"We once talked about different sorts of things;
We once talked about the troubles that life brings
now I know about about the time it takes to tell
Now I know the difference all to well
Well you told me a story
And I, I believed every word
...and I said oh no"
Note: special thanks to blog contributor Russ Lunn for the Video below, shot at the
"Night of Flaming Badenovs" show at the German House:
At the request of family members, I have removed the comment I cross posted from Adam's blog. Please accept my apologies.
10 comments:
Gordy always had a hug for me, whether I hadn't seen him for a while or it'd just been since the last week's practice. And he always seemed to have fun playing with us, throwing himself into whatever we were doing, game for anything. I'm glad we had the opportunity to include him in Fearless Lieder and the reunion gig in January.
My father, Gordon Luzius, who was an amazing friend and to me almost always a loving father to my two older brothers and I, will forever be missed and remembered by hopefully all that had the pleasure to meet him.
Hello, I'm Alexandra, Gordon's niece. I will always be forever grateful for his love and support, especially in my pursuit of an opera career. Gordon and I have always shared a love for music and I loved listening to music with him, finding new music to sing, and just having someone to talk to who spoke the same language as me. I love you and miss you so much. My next performance is dedicated to you.
Love,
Alexandra
Gordy and I spent my last night in Rochester together at a coffee shop in July. I am going to miss him terribly.
He played guitar on a very recent national release called "I found my Way" www.myspace.com/tonymartorana.
He had a true musical gift and was a channel. There are not many musicians who are.
Paul Drago - jojokidmusic.com
Gordy and I spent my last night in Rochester together at a coffee shop in July. I am going to miss him terribly.
He played guitar on a very recent national release called "I found my Way" www.myspace.com/tonymartorana.
He had a true musical gift and was a channel. There are not many musicians who are.
Paul Drago - jojokidmusic.com
I met Gordy about 2 years ago. We were having auditions for the music for the opening and closing of our convention and Gordy wanted to be involved but didn't have a car. So I told him if you can get here just once we will make sure you get to the rest of the practices. He showed up on time and then he showed us up with his musical talents. Gordy didn't have much materially but what he had spiritually he gave quite freely. He was fun to be with and he asked for so little in return. One time he fixed my vacuum cleaner and I asked him what I owed him and he said just take me to dinner somewhere. Friday nights became a ritual with Gordy, Paul, Bob and myself meeting at Gitsis at 6:00 for supper. I will miss you Gordy with your gentle spirit and spiritual humor. What a melody you left for all of us!!!
Love,
Paulie G.
My Uncle Gordon; I don't believe that I have the words to say to heal the pain for any of us. It is with great sadness that I have now had to say goodbye to 2 of the offspring of the Luzius/Johnson clan. I am so very thankful that my uncle touched so many people. I can only hope that he had a small idea of how many people he truly had made an impression on.
Karen and Kids:
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."
~Author Unknown
Please keep in touch.
I love you Uncle Gordon!
Mandi
Gordy & I have known each other since we were 14 or 15 years old, we grew up in the same neighborhood and were "boyfriend & girlfriend" at around 15 years old. After this we were friends for over 30 years, one way or another keeping in contact.
He has been through some very tough times, but he always seemed to be ok in the end. It was always about the music, and the music I think, helped him through.
I always thought I would run into him again someday.
I am very sad about the news of his sudden passing.
tinambaro@yahoo.com
Stan the Man,
I'm one of Gordon's brothers, a Step-Brother legally but never in reality.
It appears you share in our grief at Gordon's loss. He was and is loved by many and will be missed.
So why do you feel it necessary to belittle and insult our family, Gordon's family, at a time like this?
Gordon is a member of a large diverse and loving family. You based your poor opinion on one visit and I'm not aware of ever meeting you.
I can assure you Gordon was not from the wrong side of the tracks but he did find comfort and assistance from friends and family at all levels.
I sincerely hope you find comfort for your grief but please allow us, Gordon's family, to deal with our grief without dealing with your very poorly timed and ill advised comments.
Denny Johnson
Gordon's Brother
This has been such a tragic and sudden loss. I have known Gordon my entire life. Gordon was my uncle. We have all known him for his musical talents, which I will always remember. Music was a huge part of his life. Uncle Gordon was cool. He was fun. We always greeted him with a huge bear hug and as we ran to hug him, a very loud “UNCLE GORDON!!” always followed. When we were young, we all loved to have him teach us how to play guitar, or whatever else he felt like teaching us. We loved to sing at the campfire or in the sunroom, even the basement at the piano. He had patience with us that was amazing… we really couldn’t play. But, we loved to try. He was a fun teacher. He would always tell a funny joke to get the room laughing. Uncle Gordon was generally just a fun person who loved life as well as his music. We all knew him in different ways. It’s funny how one person can have that effect on so many others. It is wonderful to hear all of the nice things people are saying. He will be missed. It’s comforting to know he is joining my Grandpa Fred, Aunt Judy and Grandma to sing to them in heaven. I love you Uncle Gordon!
Love,
“Jessie”
P.S. To anyone who reads this thinking it’s OK to call me that- think again. I still hate it. (And he knew it, too!)
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