LeRoi Moore, DMB saxophonist Dead at 46

One of my summer traditions will never be the same as one of the 5 founding members of Dave Matthews Band, LeRoi Moore, died after at ATV accident today.

I've spent the last 7-8 summers watching Dave Matthews at an incredible number of venues. From LA to the Gorge in Washington state, I've enjoyed good weather and a fun relaxed atmosphere. If you didn't know, the name of this website comes from the first song on their first wide album, Under the Table and Dreaming so their music has made a non-trivial influence on my life. It is a summer tradition that always reminds me to enjoy the good and simple things in life and to not sweat the small stuff. The key is to just make the best of what's around.

I like DMB because they don't limit themselves musically. They have studio tracks, but live the tracks expand into 10 minute jam sessions. They've tried new material and have moved away from their roots. I really appreciate that willingness to experiment and explore instead of obeying the music industries commercial ambitions. They've done quite well for themselves, racking up multi-million dollar tours every summer.

LeRoi is one of the camara shy members of the band. Wearing dark glasses at every show, he never jumps and runs around the stage like Dave or Boyd. He was rarely interviewed. He played all of the saxophones, as well as flute and penny wistle. Flute is an easy double if you play sax as all of the fingerings are the same. As tallented as any of the group, he helped them produce a solid rock sound without the benefit of a lead guitarist by sharing key rifs with the fiddle player. The rock-jazz fusion really worked when you mix in their Southern-tendencies.

So long LeRoi. I enjoyed listening to your music. I'll leave you with my favorite DMB music video.