Bassist and music educator Chuck Deardorf has died

Seattle’s “first-call” bassist for almost 4 a long time, Chuck Deardorf additionally served because the jazz program director at Cornish School of the Arts. He died Sunday as a consequence of problems from COVID-19.

A mainstay of the Seattle music scene, Deardorf additionally labored with nationally-touring artists. He was virtually as well-known for his wry humorousness as he was for his exemplary performances and recordings.

Deardorf mentored numerous younger musicians by way of his tenure at Cornish School for the Arts, at Centrum Port Townsend and in jazz golf equipment and jam classes.

Beginning out as a trombone participant in fifth grade, Deardorf first picked up the bass at age 15. After graduating from Evergreen State, he labored at native jazz golf equipment – particularly Parnell’s and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley – backing up well-known artists like saxophonist Zoot Sims, and pianists Monty Alexander and Kenny Barron. In a 2019 interview with Seattle Jazz Scene, Deardorf known as that have his “graduate faculty.”

Deardorf had a hereditary kidney illness. In an try and keep away from dialysis, his brother donated a kidney to him in 2011. A decade later, Deardorf was doing effectively till he contracted COVID-19 and his diminished potential to combat off the virus led to deadly problems.

Deardorf’s spouse, singer and creator Kelly Harland, confirmed his dying. He was 68.

Longtime Seattle music author Paul De Barros known as Deardorf’s dying a “horrible loss.”

“Chuck was an anchor of the jazz neighborhood; a humble, humorous man who had a one-liner for any event,” De Barros instructed KNKX.

“Chuck was a fantastic participant, his time was as strong as a rock, his tone was lovely. He was an enormous a part of the ‘golden age’ of dwell jazz within the area, and he left a plethora of proficient college students to hold on the Seattle custom.”

Hear for Jim Wilke’s tribute to Chuck Deardorf on KNKX Sunday, October 16 at 2 p.m. on Jazz Northwest.