Tribute to my very special friends who are no longer with us today.
· Anthony Coutinho (Cooty) – teaching me and providing mentorship and taking me under his wing to understand the art of Musicianship and performing with him in Canada. His guidance in band leadership, passion, dedication, commitment and song selection goes with me till today, memories of him playing the sax at big events and Goan Theatres, his talent surpasses today’s musicians.
· Lawrence Fernandes – My very good friend during our years with The Hurricanes. Great lead guitarist who always smiled at all times, great personality that we kept in touch in Canada until his final years.
· Peter Grimmer – His awesome guitar playing and smile that was a signature during the years with The Blytz. You made us laugh, you showed us your great talent and we shared times with your talented family all girl band “Shades of Grey” who we had on stage with us many times.
· Jason Kee – Very young friend and musician that worked at my favorite store Long & McQuade who passed away at an early age. His smile, his personality and friendship will be greatly missed. I used to call him “Whippersnapper”. He always was ready and eager to help, worked extremely hard and loved by all his peers.
To all my special Musician friends for providing the opportunity to be part of your lives and experience this wonderful Musical journey. Together we laughed, cried, shared and tutored each other with no egos. We sat together exchanged ideas and just had a whole lot of fun while enjoying Music and performing for our community.
My special thanks to my wife Angela my son Carl and daughter Lisa and my precious grand daughter Mariah for providing me the opportunity to do what I love best Music during my lifetime. My brother in law Roy Rattos – Marilyn Rattos and their sons Ryan Craig Jonathan for keeping my Music dream alive with their gifted talented family. My family has been extremely patient in my buying of guitars and musical instruments during the last number of years, plus having to put up with the many weekend performances. With out their love and standing behind me through the years I would not have enjoyed the years of being a musician and father. My son Carl, daughter Lisa and my precious grand daughter Mariah each have a guitar that brings back a time during my musical career that will bring back fond memories. The best part of life is today being a grand father and enjoying precious time with my grand daughter Mariah.
The great Nat King Cole said, it needs to be: “sweet, soft with plenty rhythm". Musical Memories we will have and keep alive through time.
