I should know better than to post this. This probably does not belong here on a site for traditional Irish music, but I'm going to try anyway. My good friend Jim McCabe passed on Monday at age 64 from cancer and his funeral is tomorrow (Friday). Our parish choir will sing, and I'm in the tenor section.
He traveled to Ireland as often as possible, and loved coming to sessions. He was a great punter- he'd laugh, congratulate the musicians, have a great time, ask nothing in return, and look forward to the next one.
The opening hymn we will sing is the old Irish tune "Slane", or Lord of All Hopefulness. You all know it. I asked the choir director if we might add a bit of Irish whistle, and I will do the honors at Jim's funeral, playing the chune on my D Feadog above the harmony from the choir.
That's all I've got to say. Please raise your glasses for a great man. That's what I'm doing right now.
Greg, sounds like a perfectly valid reason to post. Certainly, musicians are the focus of sessions -- but why not tip our hat at other people who, simply by being there make sessions that much better? Best to Jim, and to you.
My Good Friend Jim McCabe
My Good Friend Jim McCabe
I should know better than to post this. This probably does not belong here on a site for traditional Irish music, but I'm going to try anyway. My good friend Jim McCabe passed on Monday at age 64 from cancer and his funeral is tomorrow (Friday). Our parish choir will sing, and I'm in the tenor section.
He traveled to Ireland as often as possible, and loved coming to sessions. He was a great punter- he'd laugh, congratulate the musicians, have a great time, ask nothing in return, and look forward to the next one.
The opening hymn we will sing is the old Irish tune "Slane", or Lord of All Hopefulness. You all know it. I asked the choir director if we might add a bit of Irish whistle, and I will do the honors at Jim's funeral, playing the chune on my D Feadog above the harmony from the choir.
That's all I've got to say. Please raise your glasses for a great man. That's what I'm doing right now.
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
Greg, sounds like a perfectly valid reason to post. Certainly, musicians are the focus of sessions -- but why not tip our hat at other people who, simply by being there make sessions that much better? Best to Jim, and to you.
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by sts
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
What better way to celebrate someone's life and be with them in their passing. Good man, Greg.
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by Here Lyeth
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
I'll raise a glass this evening at your request.
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by snorre
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
You have my sympathy. Sounds like a great way to say farewell to a friend....
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
Sorry to hear of your loss, Greg. Friends like that are as big a part of our musical tradition as musicians themselves.
# Posted on August 28th 2009 by fidkid
Re: My Good Friend Jim McCabe
Good on ye.
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by Farr