Al Wiertz

[John Doheny]

By God I think it's time dear old Al had his own thread. He sure deserves one.

I first met Al in 1972. I was playing in a strip joint on Granville St. called the Place Cabaret in a quartet that included John Burton on guitar, who later went on to play with Doug and the Slugs. Al came in with somebody, I forget who, and asked if he could sit in. The person he was with made some mention of how he was a jazz player of note around town and we sort of said yeah yeah right come on up, but we kind of expected him to suck. If he was such a bigshot what was he doing in THIS dump? Shows you how little we knew, then, about the "Economics of Jazz Performance."

Well he sat down behind the kit and we kicked off some funk thing or other, probably "Cissy Strut" or "She's So Sharp" or something like that and JEEEZUS H. CHRIST in a green hat could that MF play. He scared the shit out of us, we were just kids, 19 or 20, and we weren't used to playing with guys at his level. He finished the set, thanked us, and walked out. I didn't see him again for about ten years, although I heard rumors that he was in Toronto and L.A.

I next saw Al when we played some casuals together with a piano player, including one 8:00 a. m. breakfast meeting corporate shindig where Al got stuck behind an accident on the 2nd narrows bridge and got there just in time to put his drums together and play the last 8 bars of the last tune. We also did a blues gig together with the late Danny "Tripper" Parro at the Travellers Hotel. They really didn't know what to make of Al in that dump. Great big honkin bikers would get in his face and he'd just tell them to take a hike and, amazingly, THEY WOULD. I asked him how he dealt with working in a shithole like that and he said, "I just pretend it's a really, really bad movie."

It was on that gig that I saw Al live up to his nickname, "Hide the One Weirtz". In the blues genre it's considered good form, if the leader deigns to give the drummer a solo, for said drummer to take ONE chorus only, or maybe even only trade fours, before handing it back to the band. Al, on the other hand, would keep it for DAYS, building monstrous Elvin Jones- like polyrhthmic constructions, and the blues guys would have NO IDEA where "One" was by the time he finished. He'd usually have to count them back into the form. But they put up with it because, though he was one of those 'jazz guys', he could play a blues shuffle that would swing you into bad health,and he could do it 20 different ways. The band could play shuffles all night and Al would make sure it never got boring.

I also played with Al for six months, in 1986, on a gig at the Crystal Palace Theater at Playland. This remains to this day the weirdest gig I've ever played. I told the whole story chapter and verse in the "Interviews" thread, which seems to have vanished, by golly.

When I moved back to Vancouver in 1991 and got clean, sober and ready to start playing jazz seriously, Al was the first guy I called. He was willing to play with me but cautioned he wasn't at his best as he was recovering from a broken back. Just as well. At that point in my developement I wouldn't have been able to deal with Al at his ferocious peak. As it was, he healed and I improved and it worked out pretty well for both of us. We recorded some demos at the old Glass Slipper at 11th and Main with Ed Olekshuik engineering, including a beautiful version of a tune Al turned me on to, "Some Other Time." To this day I still get teary when I listen to it, because I can remember just as if it were yesterday how I felt at that session, tremulous and newly sober,and Al's playing is so sensitive and supportive.

Al played with us for a while at Murphy's Pub in 1993, but his health was iffy. He was in constant pain and as Al Johnston notes this was eventually diagnosed as not back-related at all but cancer. I remember him telling me that he had opted to forgo surgery because the prognosis was that he would die soon anyway and he didn't want to spend what little time he had left recovering in a hospital. I made a point to tell him at this time how much his help and friendship meant to me and we cried a little. Al became a christian in his last years, and I like to think that his faith was of some comfort to him. In deferrence to his heathen pals he usually referred to God as "the Executive Producer."

I expected my next contact with Al would be at his wake, but about a year later the phone rang and it was him, telling me about a gig he had coming up at a pub in North Van." Al," I said,"this doesn't look good. They had that big benefit for you at the Slipper" ( his band played. It was Namateet, Dave Say, and, I think, Daryl Jahnke. The whole thing was videotaped as a memento for his daughter Natalie)" Here it is a year later and YOUR NOT DEAD!"

He laughed." No I'm not dead," he said. "Apparently the Executive Producer has further plans for me here."

So, for a while there, we thought he might actually beat the odds. Then he took a turn for the worse. There was some paralysis in his arm, and he could no longer play. Then Tony Williams died suddenly, and Al died right afterwards. Stan Taylor told me he figured Al just didn't see the point in sticking around in a world without Tony in it.

R.I.P. old buddy.

[Russell Chan]

I first heard Al play at Medicine Man Charlie's on Carroll ST in the mid '70's with Al Wold on piano. The drumming was ferocious and sensitive at the same time. From my seat I could not see the drummer's face because of his vertical ride cymbal (the edge pointed to the ceiling). When he stood up I saw he had no hair! My first audio and visual impression of Al Wiertz...
I enjoyed and learned from his playing over the years especially seeing him with Bob Murphy, Dale Jacobs and Joani Taylor in the Carmen Cadillac when Miles Davis 'opened' for them at the QE....

Al was one of a kind... one of Vancouver's Jazz legends...

[John Doheny]

Yes the infamous "hairless" Al. As Cam Ryga pointed out in a post now vanished, when Al moved to Toronto in the 70's he had some sort of... allergic reaction to the place, and every hair on his body fell off. It was a medical mystery, and Al said he figured he was just allergic to Toronto. He also told me that when he returned to Vancouver he had quite a few laughs talking to people he knew who no longer recognized him ( try shaving your head AND your eyebrows and see how many people recognize YOU) dropping some critical remarks about 'that jerk Al Weirtz' and waiting to see if they'd defend him or not.

[Dark_Coffee]

Hey... Now I'm really confused. The AL "Wiertz/Wurtz" I knew from the Joint in the 70's and 80's, who often played and sat in at the Joint, HAD HAIR... LOTS of dark hair ... all over ... and was "a wild man on the drums".

Either you guys's hairless Al grew some hair by the time I met him, or I'm talking about a different wild drummer Al.

???CONFUSED NOW???

Can someone help me get UN-confused?

Thanks...Carman

[Russell Chan]

I think I first saw Al Wiertz in 1972 with no hair. His hair grew back after a year or so.. I think...
BTW, the Joint was my favorite place to hang on Sunday Evenings. My favorites back in the day were Bob Murphy, Pat Coleman and Lincoln Goines, Neil Swainson.. etc.

[Dark_Coffee]

Originally posted by Russell Chan
I think I first saw Al Wiertz in 1972 with no hair. His hair grew back after a year or so.. I think...
BTW, the Joint was my favorite place to hang on Sunday Evenings. My favorites back in the day were Bob Murphy, Pat Coleman and Lincoln Goines, Neil Swainson.. etc.

Hi RUSSEL;

I worked many a Sunday nite at the JOINT. Later years I did the door. Sundays were bind-boggling music, musicians, and nites. Jazz, jazz jazz, and more jazz. I swear when Al played the drums the chairs would jump in time...with the people in them. The standing room only... danced.They couldn't help themselves.

Amazing how many body's could squeeze into that little place. Amazing anyone got anything served to them (so tuff to get thru the kitchen and bodies) I remember Bob Murphy and Pat Coleman...and of course AL... Thank you for telling me his hair grew back. If he didn't have any for a while, it had certainly grown back in an abundance by the time I came on the Joint scene in '78.

I don't recall Lincoln and Neil, but may remember you a bit? It'll came to me. Eventually.

Hi!

Carman

[Allan Johnston]

I just came across some music from the old days, and my suspicions were confirmed - Al's last name was definitely spelled "WIERTZ". Brian, is it possible to edit the subject header?

Al

[Brian Nation]

Originally posted by Allan Johnston
Brian, is it possible to edit the subject header?
Not easily - but let me make it up to you by posting this photo of Al and Dick Smith at the Spinning Wheel, circa 1978.

http://vancouverjazz.com/img/tmp/wiertz_smith.jpg

I can't remember who took this. Maybe the photographer will see it here and let us know.

[Dark_Coffee]

Brian...Thank you for posting that photo of Al and Dick. It's so good to see it and remember them from then. Both of them sure put in a lot of time at the "Joint".

Allan...thanks regards the surname spelling for Al. It's nice to get these things CORRECT!

Take Care...Carman

[John Doheny]

I just remembered something else about Al. He played with Terry Jacks in the early 60's in a band called the Chessmen. They released a single called "The Way You Fell" that was a local hit, and somewhere (wish I could remember where) I've seen a publicity shot of the band sitting on Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park. Al's beard is neatly trimmed and he looks very "beatnik" and "Little Sandy Review-Sing Out-hootenanny-esq." in his turtleneck.

[Greg]

Is he in any of these pix?
http://theregents.net/chessmenBC.html

(By the way, Vancouverites who grew up listening to R&B (or rock or pop for that matter) might find this site interesting. Also by the way, the legendary Night Train Revue regrouped last year and plays occasional gigs with other 1960s soul alumni. A month or so ago, at an obscure community hall in deepest Surrey, I nearly ripped my teeth out and tore my face apart while listening to NTR back up Kentish Steele singing James Brown's I'll Go Crazy.)

[John Doheny]

The bottom photo. That's Al in the upper left hand corner. Wow. Thanks Greg, for finding that.

Great site. This town has along and proud history in R&B that generally gets overlooked by the national media. Some times when I'm flipping around the dial on the car radio I'll hear Kentish Steele's "King Size" on the oldies station...

And if I hear one more "rock journalist" going on about Remy Shand being the first Canadian on Motown!!! Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers had a top ten hit for Motown in 1966 fer chrissakes!!

[John Doheny]

King Size was done by Jason Hoover and the Epics.

[Gregg Simpson]

Al was an enormous influence on my playing from the days we lived across the street from each other in North Van. he got me digging fusion groups like Weather Report and even more pop/rock-oriented bands like BST.

His gift to me of his Sunday nights at the Riverqueen with Mike Taylor was much appreciated as I had worked with Mike at the Kit Kat club (who can ever forget that place!)

Al's picture on this thread may get posted on my website. If anyone objects, please let me know, or tell me who to put for the photo credit. We did two gigs together, one with a third drummer and Bruce Freedman and Don Druick. This was on Granville Mall and the sound was so loud they almost closed us down.

Al, of course, was a powerhouse and could bury any other drummer crazu enought to set up next to him, yet he was totally musical and never tried to engage in a chops contest.

It would be nice to revamp those recordings and anyting else with Al. He is worth memorializing.

Gregg Simpson
PS Al did lose all his hair in a shortlived move to Toronto, but it all grew back!

[Lalo]

Al,
I love you sparkly eyed thunder drummer...Penny...P.S.
as long as you and I are thinking of each other...we can never die...

[cybertrumpet]

Al was a good friend to me as well. I had a drum set up in the living room of my apartment in North Van (above an autobody garage in an industrial area which Al loved) and he and I would play until the very early mornings.........I mean he and I would just play all night. I loved to hang out with Al and hear all of the great stories that he used to tell. He was a great friend to everyone that he met and those "sessions" meant alot to me. Thanks for posting the photo Brian.......

[james mcrae]

thanks for starting the thread John... my mind is in a fog as usual and i've just noticed it after being a member at the forum for 1/2 year... Al's birthday is right around now too- march 16th if i remember right... i studied with Al in 75/76 for about 1 1/2- 2 years and got turned on to jazz through him. he was a great guy and an excellent and inspirational teacher.. other students who he was a 'proud' teacher of were Rudy Petchauer and Frank Dato. He also turned me onto tai chi and felt that would be a good influence on my playing.. I'm very grateful for that insight and encouragement as well.

Thanks for posting the pic of him and Dick Smith.. I've also had the good fortune of playing with Dick since moving to the nanaimo area. Dick has a place over on gabriola but has been spending more time in victoria as he said he was 'going to seed' on gabriola!

Anyway, thanks for the reminder of a great person, teacher and friend to me- Al Wiertz.

[Wilmer Fawcett]

Al was a regular member/musician at the Black Spot (Dunbar) when I was there (1960-61). The "house band" at that time included Al, Ted Gawle (bass) Derek Ireland (piano) Claire Lawrence (alto/bari), Dennis Bevington (tenor) Ron Proby (trumpet), myself (guitar)
Bill Fawcett

[Jim Vallance]

I came across the AL WIERTZ thread, and I just had to chime in.

Al was a "one-in-a-million" guy, the kind of person you remember the rest of your life. I first saw him play at the Egress in the early 70's, with Lenny Breau. I'd heard about the hair loss, and it was true, Al had no hair. The story was that he'd gone to Toronto to try and break into the jazz scene. Whether he was successful I don't know, but apparently the trip resulted in Al succumbing to a rare, stress-related hair-loss condition (Telogen Effluvium?).

The Lenny Breau performance was extraordinary, and after that I made a point of seeking out Al Wiertz gigs.

I saw him play with Bob Murphy, just the two of them, in the small main-floor lounge at Oil Can Harry's. Very trippy and energetic, to say the least. Al played me the brilliant experimental sessions he and Murphy were recording with Robin Spurgeon at Psi-Chord. I wish I had a copy of that today!

A few years later Al and I were both teaching drums at the original "Drums Only" location on Kingsway, near Victoria. That's when I really got to know him. We had some amazing conversations … or more correctly, Al talked and I listened. I knew I was being served some rare gems, and thankfully I had the good sense to shut up and pay attention.

Al was a WAY better drummer than me, but he flattered me once by asking if I'd show him some rhythms I'd been teaching one of my students. I said "sure", but only if he'd reciprocate by showing me some of HIS chops. Al agreed. Needles to say, I got the better end of the deal. And anyway, I think he was just being kind. We both knew there was nothing I could teach Al.

The second-to-last time I saw him was at a coffee shop on West Fourth. He was having a late breakfast with Billy Cowsill. Al told me he only had a few weeks to live, so saying "goodbye" that day was an emotional experience. About eight months later I ran into him again. I must have had a look of shock on my face, because he smiled and said, "You thought I was dead, didn't you". There was some levity to the moment, and our "goodbye" that day was less emotional than on the previous occasion. Somehow I thought Al was going to pull through this time. Sadly, a short time later I heard he'd passed away.

I'm in my mid-50's now. Looking back, I can truly say that Al Wiertz is one of a handful of people who have profoundly affected me. If you knew him, then you know what I mean. The phrase "different drummer" comes to mind.

[Jared Burrows]

I played a brunch gig with Al every week for about 6 months (a year or so before he died? can't recall the exact chronology)
I would pick him up at his house with his drums and take him to the drugstore, where he would proceed to buy a large bottle of extra-strength pain killers and eat a solid handful of the same. When we got to the gig, he would tape his hands around the sticks with hockey tape and proceed to play. He couldn't close his hands properly and he must have been in incredible pain, but he sure played his arse off every week. Somehow, playing the drums transformed him and seemed to be a kind of release. He smiled a that big, inspiring Al Wiertz grin right through every set and at the end of every set, I untaped his hands and passed him the bottle of Tylenol as he slumped into a soft chair that was kept beside the drum stool.

Al was too loud, too intense, too musical and, in short much, much too good for that gig or the rest of us on the bandstand. I learned a lot from Al about what music really could be. The sheer spiritual and musical power that emanated from his person when he played the drums was almost too much to bear at times. At the time I was a clever, well-schooled young player that wanted to play all the right notes and the all cool chord substitutions. Playing with and being with Al changed all that for me. Watching him tape those sticks into his hands helped me understand that music could mean so much more.
Thank you Al Wiertz.

[Allan Johnston]

I played a brunch gig with Al every week for about 6 months (a year or so before he died? can't recall the exact chronology)
I would pick him up at his house with his drums and take him to the drugstore, where he would proceed to buy a large bottle of extra-strength pain killers and eat a solid handful of the same.

I think I did that gig with you once or twice, Jared...

As you'll remember, Al was taking Aspirin and codiene (over the counter) ever since he broke his back a couple of years before he died. He was living with me and a few others in North Van for a while. I remember him going to the chiropractor two to three times a week for a year, and popping that ASA 'cause the pain STILL wouldn't get any better. Finally, the ASA blew his stomach lining and put him in the hospital with a gastric bleed. They discovered the back pain the chiropractor was "treating" was (by then) inoperable lung cancer, close to the site of the original fracture.
Al taught me many lessons. But since I've had my own back problems, I've thought about this one the most...

Al

[John LeMarquand]

I have known Al longer than most. This would have been 1955 or 56 when we first met. We would have been 14 or 15 at this time. He was sent to live with his cousin's family who lived only a few blocks away. His parents had divorced and were starting new families and neither wanted a troubled teenager so he was shipped off to relatives. He took on the role as a tough guy from the east end. Was into the tough guy clothes of the day. The zoot suits and how many buttons high the waist should be. He talked tough but wasn't. We had drums in common. I had what could loosely called a drum kit and Al would come over and play We were pretty tight for the short while he lived there. He enrolled at Lord Byng high school but rarely attended. The vice-principle called him a sleazy bum which Al which Al found amusing. Eventually Al was sent to live with another relative and we lost contact for a few years. A year or so after high school Al's cousin told me that Al was a regular at the Black Spot. I of course knew of the club since high school where it was the talk of the school when it first opened but had never been there. When I went Al was really into playing where I had stopped for a time. Al had bought a new set of Ludwig silver sparkle drums which he let me play and encouraged me to keep at it. Turned me on to Jim Blackley the drum teacher who I took lessons from for a few years. I continued hanging out at the Black Spot and ended up being one of the 4 owners before it was sold to the musicians who played there. I stayed on as the bookkeeper and helped in running the club. Al was involved as a player and in the core group of musicians running the club and the other two clubs that came after. My friendship with Al continued to the day he died. I used to see him on a regular basis in those final days. Miss him.

[Brian Hilton]

Hello, my name is Brian Hilton and Al was my drum teacher for about 2 years between 1967 and 1969. Al was probably the most influential person in my life and for several reasons other than his obvious and considerable ability on the drums. He introduced me to jazz in all its many forms and he was also one of the funniest people I have ever met. I played many clubs in Vancouver between 1967 and 1970 including Oil Can Harry's with the Collins Brothers and the Mojo Co. Then it was off to Toronto to play with Ronnie Hawkins in a band led by David Foster and his then wife, BJ Cook. Finally, I wound up in LA with Skylark, after Duris Maxwell left the band. I personaly witnessed Al's famous 'hair loss' as it happened while he was living with me in Toronto. Al was teaching me Hatha Yoga at the time as I had some back problems associated with playing the drums. I thought yoga was pretty weird at first, but my problems disappeared in about two weeks. While doing yoga with Al, his hair started to fall out in big chunks and within a week or so, was mostly gone. He saw a doctor who couldn't tell him much, but I was very impressed with how he handled himself. He didn't 'freak out' or get excited, he was completely cool. But he hated Toronto's very business-like attitude and complained about how difficult it was to 'sit in' with other musicians. Anyway, that's all for now, and in closing, I would like to say how pleased I am to see the many comments regarding my onetime 'hero' Al.

[Brian Hilton]

Hey... Now I'm really confused. The AL "Wiertz/Wurtz" I knew from the Joint in the 70's and 80's, who often played and sat in at the Joint, HAD HAIR... LOTS of dark hair ... all over ... and was "a wild man on the drums".

Either you guys's hairless Al grew some hair by the time I met him, or I'm talking about a different wild drummer Al.

???CONFUSED NOW???

Can someone help me get UN-confused?

Thanks...Carman
Hi Carman: Al's hair fell out at my place in Toronto in the summer of 1972 and when I saw him about 8 months later in Vancouver, it was back and very bushy (along with his eyebrows and eyelashes) It was two inches in length and looked like a crew-cut from the 50's. Brian Hilton.

[Brian Hilton]

I just remembered something else about Al. He played with Terry Jacks in the early 60's in a band called the Chessmen. They released a single called "The Way You Fell" that was a local hit, and somewhere (wish I could remember where) I've seen a publicity shot of the band sitting on Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park. Al's beard is neatly trimmed and he looks very "beatnik" and "Little Sandy Review-Sing Out-hootenanny-esq." in his turtleneck.
The Chessmen also had an instrumental hit in 1965/66 called 'Meadowlands.' I believe the instrumental was the 'B side' of 'The Way You Fell.'
I heard Meadowlands two Sundays ago on 'Red Rock Diner,' and Red Robinson said the Melody was based on a Russian marching song! The recording sounds very much like the Shadows from England and Al does a great little solo in the middle using a killer double-stroke roll on the snare. Brian Hilton.

[Brian Hilton]

I just remembered something else about Al. He played with Terry Jacks in the early 60's in a band called the Chessmen. They released a single called "The Way You Fell" that was a local hit, and somewhere (wish I could remember where) I've seen a publicity shot of the band sitting on Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park. Al's beard is neatly trimmed and he looks very "beatnik" and "Little Sandy Review-Sing Out-hootenanny-esq." in his turtleneck.
The Chessmen also had an instrumental hit in 1965/66 called 'Meadowlands.' I believe the instrumental was the 'B side' of 'The Way You Fell.'
I heard Meadowlands two Sundays ago on 'Red Rock Diner,' and Red Robinson said the Melody was based on a Russian marching song! The recording sounds very much like the Shadows from England and Al does a great little solo in the middle using a killer double-stroke roll on the snare. Brian Hilton.

[Pattie Bessette]

Hey you Old Folks.... This is Al's former wife Pattie, mother of his daughter Natalee and we are wanting to connect with some of the great old friends we had for so many years that we listened to the greatest music in the city. I have some amazing old tapes, some on reel-to-reel and I have a guy with a recording studio trying to get them onto CD to preserve - stuff from Al, Bob Murphy and Torbin (and years later Tom Hazlitt - yes a fantastic bass player). If anyone is interested in this amazing historic part of Vancouver jazz history - I know many of you are still playing and don't consider yourself ready for the museum shelf yet - please contact me at prbessette@shaw.ca.

I also wanted to pass along that all of those who contributed so much to the evening at the Glass Slipper benefit for Natalee, you all did a good thing, Al would be so proud that his beautiful girl just finished her first year of medical school at UBC!! Peter Paddon did a great job of standing in for Al at her high school graduation years ago! She is truly incredible and would love to hear from people who knew her Dad!

Peace and hope to hear from you! Hey - Anyone know where I can get the recording made in the 80's by The Wildroot Orchestra?

Pattie and Natalee Wiertz (Bessette)

[Wilmer Fawcett]

I well remember Al from our Black Spot days (rather nights). Always on the stand and ready to play, driven by very intense musical forces and always ready to drive a complacent group to new energy and heights. Definitely one of Vancouver's key jazz personalities. I regret I was not here in Vancouver to see his artistic rise, and only met Al again shortly before his untimely death. I miss him, but he sure lives in our memories...

[Jack Smith]

I came across the AL WIERTZ thread, and I just had to chime in.

Al was a "one-in-a-million" guy, the kind of person you remember the rest of your life. I first saw him play at the Egress in the early 70's, with Lenny Breau. I'd heard about the hair loss, and it was true, Al had no hair. The story was that he'd gone to Toronto to try and break into the jazz scene. Whether he was successful I don't know, but apparently the trip resulted in Al succumbing to a rare, stress-related hair-loss condition (Telogen Effluvium?).

The Lenny Breau performance was extraordinary, and after that I made a point of seeking out Al Wiertz gigs.

I saw him play with Bob Murphy, just the two of them, in the small main-floor lounge at Oil Can Harry's. Very trippy and energetic, to say the least. Al played me the brilliant experimental sessions he and Murphy were recording with Robin Spurgeon at Psi-Chord. I wish I had a copy of that today!

A few years later Al and I were both teaching drums at the original "Drums Only" location on Kingsway, near Victoria. That's when I really got to know him. We had some amazing conversations … or more correctly, Al talked and I listened. I knew I was being served some rare gems, and thankfully I had the good sense to shut up and pay attention.

Al was a WAY better drummer than me, but he flattered me once by asking if I'd show him some rhythms I'd been teaching one of my students. I said "sure", but only if he'd reciprocate by showing me some of HIS chops. Al agreed. Needles to say, I got the better end of the deal. And anyway, I think he was just being kind. We both knew there was nothing I could teach Al.

The second-to-last time I saw him was at a coffee shop on West Fourth. He was having a late breakfast with Billy Cowsill. Al told me he only had a few weeks to live, so saying "goodbye" that day was an emotional experience. About eight months later I ran into him again. I must have had a look of shock on my face, because he smiled and said, "You thought I was dead, didn't you". There was some levity to the moment, and our "goodbye" that day was less emotional than on the previous occasion. Somehow I thought Al was going to pull through this time. Sadly, a short time later I heard he'd passed away.

I'm in my mid-50's now. Looking back, I can truly say that Al Wiertz is one of a handful of people who have profoundly affected me. If you knew him, then you know what I mean. The phrase "different drummer" comes to mind.
I never got to play with Al a lot, but I remember his snare sounding like a message from god. As to who was a better drummer, Jim, I always loved your playing, you were one of my personal favorites.

[Ole Juul]

Some things are a bit foggy, but I was playing at the old Arts Club on Seymour (across from Buller's Glass). There were some good musicians coming by there and they must have been pretty tolerant folk because I was still very green. Anyway, one thing is not foggy: Al came in and wanted to sit in. This was the first time I met him and it made quite an impression on me. For one thing, his exuberance. For another, his baldness, which he seemed a bit self concious about. He explained how it happened. How one day he ran his fingers through his hair and it was literally coming out in his hands. He had just come back from the East coast. Of course, his playing was way beyond my level. I got to play with him a few times again over the next years. Some years later he lived next door to me on Trafalgar, just off 4th.

[Wanda Mundy]

Would just like to say that I had met Al in about 1967 - he was playing (after hours) at The River Queen @ Davie & Burrard with Dick Smith and Keith Kemp (Hammond B3 w/foot pedal bass). Coming from a small Island town, it was my first introduction to Jazz - how lucky was I for it to have been with these three amazing musicians ?!?

Al's playing was so many levels above my singing at the time - but it didn't seem to matter. Anyone who brought passion to the stage was welcome. And the "entertainment" continued between sets - as Al would read to us all from whatever book he happened to be working on. 　For one several-months-long period - we were regaled by the reading of chapters of "Never Cry Wolf."

When Joni Taylor sang "I'll Be Seeing You" at his memorial service in the Winter of 1997 - it brought us all to our knees. It was especially poignant for Keith and I - because Al's passing occurred right in the middle of the week between our birthdays. To this day - I don't know how Joni was able to sing that song, and not fall right down on the floor.

Al Wiertz was not only the most amazing drummer I've ever heard in my life - but one of the most genuine and lovely people I will ever meet.

WC Mundy

[Dave Mason]

It’s Thanksgiving weekend… and I’ve just stumbled across this thread on Al (after first trying to dig into more info on the sold out Classical Joint reunion on Friday night). I wasn’t able to make it to the Joint reunion – but I am Thankful for this opportunity to remember Al and to share some of these memories.

Al was my teacher, mentor and friend in the early ‘80’s… I’m getting teary-eyed thinking of all the lessons learned and good laughs shared together; Al was one of the greatest inspirations in my life.

The reference to Al having been banned from the Classical Joint brings me back to how I first met Al. I had been studying with Ian Hood. I say “studying” – but it was more of a “hanging” ritual. After a couple of lessons with Ian at Troy Music in North Van – Ian suggested I could just visit his place – where lessons became more about coffee (meticulously ground and made by Ian) and donuts (delivered by me) – and whatever else was being supplied by other visitors – while we either worked out some drum stuff on Ian’s canary yellow Milestones, listened to music – or listened to hockey (in French). Ian was the “other drummer banned from the Classical Joint”… I would later learn that both Ian and Al were Visionaries of Volume!!! Importantly though, volume by choice, not due to any lack of the ability to play softly; Ian (and Al) could whisper a tune better than Anne Frank.

Ian introduced me to Al (thank you Ian) – and I recall our first “intro” lesson – starting an hour behind schedule – and ending several hours later… I was hooked on Al’s ability to verbalize his lessons, lessons on life and how music related to everything from the Rubik’s Cube (hey, it was big then) to arguments (or agreement) on the bandstand. Al was the teacher – but he was also a student. He loved to study life’s lessons and find a way to re-package them… Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, Miles Davis, Cheech & Chong…all were stepping-off points for an Al Wiertz diatribe.

I studied with Al at Drum’s Only – at Kingsway & Main from 1981-84. The lessons often began with picking Al up from his place – getting food along the way – then several hours of everything from rebuilding my grip, to playing along with old albums (Cannonball or Coltrane mostly) – to singing the swing cymbal “chang-chang-chu-chang-chang-chu”… to hanging out with the other students… until several months into this regime Al came up with the brainstorm idea of creating a group lesson.

I don’t remember the exact date – or I hate to admit my addled brain has forgotten all of the other guy’s names – ‘cause it was such an intense time… but what I can remember was the first few sessions turned us all upside-down. Al transformed his “EST Trainer” persona into a “Drum Preacher” – preaching to the converted mind you. We would all meet on Sunday morning’s at the Church of Al. Sometimes we would all meet for breakfast at Kam’s Bakery on Main (ham, omelets and coffee) – other times (when Saturday night gigs had taken their toll we would start “a little later”… but usually by 10 a.m. we had assembled our butts in the pews to hear Reverend Al preach the gospel – “The Rap”.

By noon we were in need of movement – but it wasn’t time for drumming yet, it was Tai Chi time. For anyone driving by the corner of Kingsway & Main on Sunday’s at noon – the sight of this motley crew of 5 to 7 long-haired (even dreadlocked) musicians in the Drum’s Only parking lot – pushing hands – or displaying our stork-wings – well, let’s just say that I’m happy this was in a pre-You Tube time…

Lunch would often follow – back to Kam’s for BBQ Pork and/or Curry Beef buns – followed by Coconut Cream and/or Coconut Butter buns…and coffee and, for added fuel, a Jolt Cola or two.

We’d spend the afternoon working off lunch – and often teaching each other – under the watchful eye of Al… who could never resist a few practical jokes or comments along the way. The best workout was usually laughing to Al’s jokes!!!

Dinner often followed – at Kam’s - Stir Fried Noodles with plenty of hot sauce, Coconut Butter and/or Coconut Cream buns for dessert and more Coffee… just enough fuel to get us ready for a trip to The Joint…

I played the Joint – some Sunday nights (more often Tuesday nights)… and I think that was the time Al was doing the Danny Tripper gig at The Traveller’s – just around the corner. If Andreas wasn’t around Al would sneak in and sit in on my light maple Gretsch kit… and bring it to life… I love that kit – and still wish I could find the sounds in it that Al did. Al had a similar vintage – dark brown Gretsch kit… and some wonderful K’s (Zildjian’s). His ride was legendary – and as much as I would love to know where it is now (and selfishly would love to own it) – it could only sound like Al’s ride when Al was playing it. I swear his drums and cymbals took on a “smokey” nature – beyond the smoke from his More Cigarillos.

I have some old video of Al that I’m dying to get converted to digital. The one I recall was an outdoor concert with Dan Kane – and possibly Hugh Fraser (I’ll have to find it – and find my old VHS machine to make sure). I’m also sure I have some old recordings from gigs at the Joint… and many with Al sitting in.

I had a great opportunity to move to New York and study with Jeff Watts (from Wynton Marsalis’ band) – or at least that was the dream. Jim Guttridge and I cooked this up after meeting the Marsalis band when they played the International Plaza in North Van for a week (or so) – and Jim made arrangements to study with Kenny Kirkland. (We also dragged them around town for a few parties one night – and another night had them over to watch “Cujo”… Wynton didn’t join us.) We set out for New York in 1984 – naïve kids from West Van – thinking: a) we could find a place to live and b) that these busy guys would be in NYC enough to teach – when reality was they were living on the road… We lasted about a month in the Big Apple – before realizing that: a) we couldn’t find a place to live and b) as much as it was great to connect with these Young Lion Superstars in New York - - they were living on the road touring with Wynton – and not in a “teaching” mood.

We decided to chance a trip to London, England – getting cheap flights as “couriers” for a shipping company…and, long story short, I spent the next year and a half in London.

I kept in touch with Ian (by letters) and Al (via my folks – as he would call them every so often to check in on me)… I loved living in London – and had some great musical memories – including organizing a drum clinic with Freddie Waits (while he was on tour with Chico Freeman) and hanging out with Elvin Jones for a week at Ronnie Scott’s. It was through Elvin that I met John Stevens – who was London’s answer to Al Weirtz… really. John was working with the National Jazz Centre – and had troops of musicians in training – including Courtney Pine.

When I first met John I didn’t really know his background – and it was only through feedback from Al through my folks that the connection came full circle – when Al discovered who I was hanging with in London.

I returned to Vancouver in the fall of ’85…and reconnected with Al. I don’t think the group lessons were carrying on – but we used to get together – sometimes to hang out – other times I’d visit Al and Pattie’s basement suite to catch up on Natalee’s latest learnings… The only topic of conversation that fired up Al more than talking about music was his daughter. He was a Dad on a mission… a mission to see the world through a child’s eyes and have his child see the world through his eyes. He could tell a story about a diaper change that would resonate and captivate an audience (at least this audience) as if it held the key to the meaning of life. Natalee – you can truly say that the stories of your childhood inspired many a musician. (I have two kids now – and thank Al for his inspirational lessons in “fatherhood” – as well as “drumhood”.)

I inched my way back in to playing at The Joint – with Henry Boudin, Ron Samworth and Scott White mostly (but sometimes with Kate Hammet-Vaughn or Phil Dwyer or Al Matheson or Joe Bjornson or Robin Shier or… ) and teaching drums (at Calder Music in North Van – now Tom Lee). Al would occasionally sit-in (again, when Andreas wasn’t around) – and we would get together for the occasional Noodles, Bun and Coffee at Kam’s – but I drifted away and hung-up my (Jim Chivers-made) stick bag in ’88 – shaved off the beard and put on the monkey suit – and have been in the world of finance ever since. Dichotomy, yes… I learned the meaning of that word from Al.

I didn’t see Al much until I got the bad news about his fight with cancer… and the event at The Glass Slipper. I hung out at the back of the room for that concert – and still remember the bear-hug from Al that was my reward at the end of that great night. There’s hardly a day when I don’t have an uh huh moment – and think about Al…

Al – thank you for lessons learned – for friendship earned and for inspiration as a drummer, a father and a student of life...



Dave.

[Pattie Bessette]

I just came across some music from the old days, and my suspicions were confirmed - Al's last name was definitely spelled "WIERTZ". Brian, is it possible to edit the subject header?

Having been his wife for 7 years, yes, Allan, it is WIERTZ!! And it used to really bug him when they got his name wrong, or printed someone elses name altogether! A little respect, you know! This is ALL so heartwarming to read, please write to me at:

prbessette@shaw.ca

I will be posting very exciting news about Natalee, who is 26 now and looks like the most beautiful supermodel - well, the announcement starts with Al Wiertz's Daughter Becomes a Medical Doctor in May 2011!!

[Pattie Bessette]

Natalee WIERTZ and I, Pattie - Al and I were married for 7 years and had Natalee in 1984 - yes, Alan had (phoentically?) aplecia while in Toronto, lost every hair on his body - came back 6 months later, half an eyebrow at a time and one of his favorite oft told stories - reading all of this is so heartwarming and wonderful - Natalee is so happy that her Dad is remembered and loved - she hates the thought of him ever being forgotten - certainly never by us! When Bob Murphy saw her about a year ago when I took her to a gig at his place, he felt very comforted, he said he felt that Al was with him - she is his spitting image, long long dark hair, just a gorgeous girl who will be a Doctor in May 2011 - I will be posting an ad with photos of her - but, thank you to so many people who remember and cared about Al and Natalee, never fear that your contribution did not go to a good cause!

[Pattie Bessette]

[quote=Wanda Mundy;13550

Thank you for appreciating Joni Taylor - I asked her and Bob to play and specifically asked Joni to Sing I'll Be Seeing You, I tear up at the very thought of that - I don't look at the moon that I don't relive some, part, or most of everything Alan was to me, my husband and the father of our lovely daughter very high on the list - I learned so much.... yes, so much, and he teaches me still....

Pattie (Wiertz) Bessette

[Pattie Bessette]

Thanks again Dave - so glad you took the time to write to me at home and send this to me - it is so wonderful and thoughtful and reminds us all who and why we are thankful for knowing them! Pattie (Wiertz) BessetteIt’s Thanksgiving weekend… and I’ve just stumbled across this thread on Al (after first trying to dig into more info on the sold out Classical Joint reunion on Friday night). I wasn’t able to make it to the Joint reunion – but I am Thankful for this opportunity to remember Al and to share some of these memories.

Al was my teacher, mentor and friend in the early ‘80’s… I’m getting teary-eyed thinking of all the lessons learned and good laughs shared together; Al was one of the greatest inspirations in my life.

The reference to Al having been banned from the Classical Joint brings me back to how I first met Al. I had been studying with Ian Hood. I say “studying” – but it was more of a “hanging” ritual. After a couple of lessons with Ian at Troy Music in North Van – Ian suggested I could just visit his place – where lessons became more about coffee (meticulously ground and made by Ian) and donuts (delivered by me) – and whatever else was being supplied by other visitors – while we either worked out some drum stuff on Ian’s canary yellow Milestones, listened to music – or listened to hockey (in French). Ian was the “other drummer banned from the Classical Joint”… I would later learn that both Ian and Al were Visionaries of Volume!!! Importantly though, volume by choice, not due to any lack of the ability to play softly; Ian (and Al) could whisper a tune better than Anne Frank.

Ian introduced me to Al (thank you Ian) – and I recall our first “intro” lesson – starting an hour behind schedule – and ending several hours later… I was hooked on Al’s ability to verbalize his lessons, lessons on life and how music related to everything from the Rubik’s Cube (hey, it was big then) to arguments (or agreement) on the bandstand. Al was the teacher – but he was also a student. He loved to study life’s lessons and find a way to re-package them… Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, Miles Davis, Cheech & Chong…all were stepping-off points for an Al Wiertz diatribe.

I studied with Al at Drum’s Only – at Kingsway & Main from 1981-84. The lessons often began with picking Al up from his place – getting food along the way – then several hours of everything from rebuilding my grip, to playing along with old albums (Cannonball or Coltrane mostly) – to singing the swing cymbal “chang-chang-chu-chang-chang-chu”… to hanging out with the other students… until several months into this regime Al came up with the brainstorm idea of creating a group lesson.

I don’t remember the exact date – or I hate to admit my addled brain has forgotten all of the other guy’s names – ‘cause it was such an intense time… but what I can remember was the first few sessions turned us all upside-down. Al transformed his “EST Trainer” persona into a “Drum Preacher” – preaching to the converted mind you. We would all meet on Sunday morning’s at the Church of Al. Sometimes we would all meet for breakfast at Kam’s Bakery on Main (ham, omelets and coffee) – other times (when Saturday night gigs had taken their toll we would start “a little later”… but usually by 10 a.m. we had assembled our butts in the pews to hear Reverend Al preach the gospel – “The Rap”.

By noon we were in need of movement – but it wasn’t time for drumming yet, it was Tai Chi time. For anyone driving by the corner of Kingsway & Main on Sunday’s at noon – the sight of this motley crew of 5 to 7 long-haired (even dreadlocked) musicians in the Drum’s Only parking lot – pushing hands – or displaying our stork-wings – well, let’s just say that I’m happy this was in a pre-You Tube time…

Lunch would often follow – back to Kam’s for BBQ Pork and/or Curry Beef buns – followed by Coconut Cream and/or Coconut Butter buns…and coffee and, for added fuel, a Jolt Cola or two.

We’d spend the afternoon working off lunch – and often teaching each other – under the watchful eye of Al… who could never resist a few practical jokes or comments along the way. The best workout was usually laughing to Al’s jokes!!!

Dinner often followed – at Kam’s - Stir Fried Noodles with plenty of hot sauce, Coconut Butter and/or Coconut Cream buns for dessert and more Coffee… just enough fuel to get us ready for a trip to The Joint…

I played the Joint – some Sunday nights (more often Tuesday nights)… and I think that was the time Al was doing the Danny Tripper gig at The Traveller’s – just around the corner. If Andreas wasn’t around Al would sneak in and sit in on my light maple Gretsch kit… and bring it to life… I love that kit – and still wish I could find the sounds in it that Al did. Al had a similar vintage – dark brown Gretsch kit… and some wonderful K’s (Zildjian’s). His ride was legendary – and as much as I would love to know where it is now (and selfishly would love to own it) – it could only sound like Al’s ride when Al was playing it. I swear his drums and cymbals took on a “smokey” nature – beyond the smoke from his More Cigarillos.

I have some old video of Al that I’m dying to get converted to digital. The one I recall was an outdoor concert with Dan Kane – and possibly Hugh Fraser (I’ll have to find it – and find my old VHS machine to make sure). I’m also sure I have some old recordings from gigs at the Joint… and many with Al sitting in.

I had a great opportunity to move to New York and study with Jeff Watts (from Wynton Marsalis’ band) – or at least that was the dream. Jim Guttridge and I cooked this up after meeting the Marsalis band when they played the International Plaza in North Van for a week (or so) – and Jim made arrangements to study with Kenny Kirkland. (We also dragged them around town for a few parties one night – and another night had them over to watch “Cujo”… Wynton didn’t join us.) We set out for New York in 1984 – naïve kids from West Van – thinking: a) we could find a place to live and b) that these busy guys would be in NYC enough to teach – when reality was they were living on the road… We lasted about a month in the Big Apple – before realizing that: a) we couldn’t find a place to live and b) as much as it was great to connect with these Young Lion Superstars in New York - - they were living on the road touring with Wynton – and not in a “teaching” mood.

We decided to chance a trip to London, England – getting cheap flights as “couriers” for a shipping company…and, long story short, I spent the next year and a half in London.

I kept in touch with Ian (by letters) and Al (via my folks – as he would call them every so often to check in on me)… I loved living in London – and had some great musical memories – including organizing a drum clinic with Freddie Waits (while he was on tour with Chico Freeman) and hanging out with Elvin Jones for a week at Ronnie Scott’s. It was through Elvin that I met John Stevens – who was London’s answer to Al Weirtz… really. John was working with the National Jazz Centre – and had troops of musicians in training – including Courtney Pine.

When I first met John I didn’t really know his background – and it was only through feedback from Al through my folks that the connection came full circle – when Al discovered who I was hanging with in London.

I returned to Vancouver in the fall of ’85…and reconnected with Al. I don’t think the group lessons were carrying on – but we used to get together – sometimes to hang out – other times I’d visit Al and Pattie’s basement suite to catch up on Natalee’s latest learnings… The only topic of conversation that fired up Al more than talking about music was his daughter. He was a Dad on a mission… a mission to see the world through a child’s eyes and have his child see the world through his eyes. He could tell a story about a diaper change that would resonate and captivate an audience (at least this audience) as if it held the key to the meaning of life. Natalee – you can truly say that the stories of your childhood inspired many a musician. (I have two kids now – and thank Al for his inspirational lessons in “fatherhood” – as well as “drumhood”.)

I inched my way back in to playing at The Joint – with Henry Boudin, Ron Samworth and Scott White mostly (but sometimes with Kate Hammet-Vaughn or Phil Dwyer or Al Matheson or Joe Bjornson or Robin Shier or… ) and teaching drums (at Calder Music in North Van – now Tom Lee). Al would occasionally sit-in (again, when Andreas wasn’t around) – and we would get together for the occasional Noodles, Bun and Coffee at Kam’s – but I drifted away and hung-up my (Jim Chivers-made) stick bag in ’88 – shaved off the beard and put on the monkey suit – and have been in the world of finance ever since. Dichotomy, yes… I learned the meaning of that word from Al.

I didn’t see Al much until I got the bad news about his fight with cancer… and the event at The Glass Slipper. I hung out at the back of the room for that concert – and still remember the bear-hug from Al that was my reward at the end of that great night. There’s hardly a day when I don’t have an uh huh moment – and think about Al…

Al – thank you for lessons learned – for friendship earned and for inspiration as a drummer, a father and a student of life...



Dave.

[Gavin Walker]

Hi Pattie,
As you know Al and I knew one another for well over 45 years and he's always around in spirit and...what a spirit! We had many great times together and connected and reconnected many times musically and socially over the years. So many great recollections of Al Wiertz are posted here as he touched so many lives. Great news about Natalee becoming a doctor! I had the pleasure and the honour of doing the opening speech at the Classical Joint Reunion and remembered Alan in my speech along with an anecdote that garnered a few laughs. The gist of the story was this: I hired Al for a period of time to play in my quartet on Thursday as my regular guy (John Nolan) was on the road. When I told Andreas, he freaked and said "oh no no Gavin, he plays too loud!" Long story short.....Al played beautifully and with taste, energy, swing and creativity and kept the volume to a minimum...we had a ball for about 6 successive Thursdays and I loved it. Andreas kept asking me "when is John Nolan coming back?" He couldn't get it out of his head that Al wasn't just about volume. My story brought a laugh and even Andreas had to grin! No one will forget Al Wiertz....I can assure you of that!
Gavin.

[Brian Nation]

I just came across some music from the old days, and my suspicions were confirmed - Al's last name was definitely spelled "WIERTZ". Brian, is it possible to edit the subject header?Having been his wife for 7 years, yes, Allan, it is WIERTZ!! And it used to really bug him when they got his name wrong, or printed someone elses name altogether! A little respect, you know!

I have (finally) corrected the spelling in this thread's title.

[Pattie Bessette]

Thank you so much! What a good friend you are and it is wonderful that you are keeping track of so much of the jazz history that is Vancouver's!!
I have (finally) corrected the spelling in this thread's title.

[Brian Nation]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UCe29RUKQhg/TL0T3Nh3_AI/AAAAAAAAPu0/Zs2WNLI5TSI/ps_1820_600.jpg

I just came across this photo of Al, taken the last time I saw him — not too long, I think, before he died. (When was that exactly?)

I'm sorry about the poor quality. It was taken at night under some harsh lights. I did not know there would be no chance for a better photo. I hadn't see him in a long time and didn't know he was dying. He was in good spirits and a pleasure to talk to. He had obviously come to terms with his fate and seemed very much at peace.

[Pattie Bessette]

Yes, Brian - Al died in Feb. 1997 - just a month shy of his 56th birthday - he was the only person I knew who died peacefully - he wanted to live of course, but he was completely reconciled and at peace to go. I have lost 13 people, parents, brother, best friend, etc. to cancer, and Al was the only one who didn't leave a tragic footprint - he died the way he lived, positive and at peace until the end.... Ross Barret came to his bedside early that morning and stayed with him for quite awhile. If Ross sees this, I would love to talk with him - if anyone can put us in touch! Pattie - prbessette@shaw.ca. Thanks again, Brian! I would love to talk in person, let me know if you are going to a jazz evening somewhere and we could meet, you have helped me so much with this forum!

Pattie


I just came across this photo of Al, taken the last time I saw him — not too long, I think, before he died. (When was that exactly?)

I'm sorry about the poor quality. It was taken at night under some harsh lights. I did not know there would be no chance for a better photo. I hadn't see him in a long time and didn't know he was dying. He was in good spirits and a pleasure to talk to. He had obviously come to terms with his fate and seemed very much at peace.

[Elliott Clarkson]

Pattie,
If you're in the Vancouver area, come by the Cottage Bistro @ 29th & Main after 8 on a Sunday evening. You'll find Ross there leading the Sunday Evening Soul Service.

[Pattie Bessette]

Hey, thank you I will do that - some people are helping me with Al's old cassettes and I found one of Ross's - when I get them digitized, it that works out, I will make a copy for him! Here was another interesting title, "Eddie Lock Jaw Davis with the Teddy Boroweicki Trio" = 25 years ago! I have been inundated with requests and people wanting photos, etc. so I went through everything I had and I will try and get it on here, out to people who are doing things to make a good history of jazz in Vancouver. Thanks for contacting me!

Pattie

[Nou Dadoun]

Hey, thank you I will do that - some people are helping me with Al's old cassettes and I found one of Ross's - when I get them digitized, it that works out, I will make a copy for him! Here was another interesting title, "Eddie Lock Jaw Davis with the Teddy Boroweicki Trio" = 25 years ago! I have been inundated with requests and people wanting photos, etc. so I went through everything I had and I will try and get it on here, out to people who are doing things to make a good history of jazz in Vancouver. Thanks for contacting me!

Pattie

Lockjaw Davis 25 years ago? Was that when he came to town to play with Elmer Gill? .. N

[Pattie Bessette]

http://images2.soundclick.com/35/images/a/band/alwiertz.gif?version=133 (http://www.soundclick.com/alwiertz)

[Pattie Bessette]

http://external.ak.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=0c3c817cb8d18d13e9ea71fb3f6a8727&w=90&h=90&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.fastclick.net%2Fw%2Fget.media%3Fsid%3D237%26m%3D6%26tp%3D 8%26d%3Ds%26c%3D1 (http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandid=1118983)

SoundClick artist: Al Wiertz - Al Wiertz was one of Vancouver B.C.s finest jazz (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundclick.com%2Fbands%2Fdefault.cfm%3Fbandid%3D1118983&h=b572b)http://external.ak.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=0c3c817cb8d18d13e9ea71fb3f6a8727&w=90&h=90&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.fastclick.net%2Fw%2Fget.media%3Fsid%3D237%26m%3D6%26tp%3D 8%26d%3Ds%26c%3D1 (http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandid=1118983)

[Brian Nation]

the exact url is http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1118983

[Pattie Bessette]

the exact url is http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1118983


Thanks Brian, looking after me, I wish I was better at this but you always seem to catch my glitches and straighten it all out!

[Ken Walker]

Yes!

I went to a dance at U. B. C. where this first Chessman group played with al Wirtz on drums...The release was a 45 of two instrumentals...the A side was Meadowlands and the B side was Mustang...as a new drummer at the time Al blew me away. I asked Al who his teacher was that day! Al Wirtz was an incredibly talented guy. Sadly, it may be more than a shibboleth...'the good die young'...I think Meadowlands is based on a Russian folk song...

The Chessmen also had an instrumental hit in 1965/66 called 'Meadowlands.' I believe the instrumental was the 'B side' of 'The Way You Fell.'
I heard Meadowlands two Sundays ago on 'Red Rock Diner,' and Red Robinson said the Melody was based on a Russian marching song! The recording sounds very much like the Shadows from England and Al does a great little solo in the middle using a killer double-stroke roll on the snare. Brian Hilton.

[Pattie Bessette]

Yes!

I went to a dance at U. B. C. where this first Chessman group played with al Wirtz on drums...The release was a 45 of two instrumentals...the A side was Meadowlands and the B side was Mustang...as a new drummer at the time Al blew me away. I asked Al who his teacher was that day! Al Wirtz was an incredibly talented guy. Sadly, it may be more than a shibboleth...'the good die young'...I think Meadowlands is based on a Russian folk song...

Hey Ken! I think I remember you - do you recall me? You knew Al very well and were at the benefit concert? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed what is posted here and also be able to listen to what Basil has put on Soundclick for Al's last album - yesterday he would have been 70! Almost more surprising that he is gone at all, it has never felt like he left. Anyway I think the updates on Natalee are posted here so I will leave it here in case you aren't who I am thinking of, ha!, as we get older ourselves!

[Ken Walker]

Hey Ken! I think I remember you - do you recall me? You knew Al very well and were at the benefit concert? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed what is posted here and also be able to listen to what Basil has put on Soundclick for Al's last album - yesterday he would have been 70! Almost more surprising that he is gone at all, it has never felt like he left. Anyway I think the updates on Natalee are posted here so I will leave it here in case you aren't who I am thinking of, ha!, as we get older ourselves!

Hi Pattie; Sorry to say I am not that Ken...but I am pleased to send this note to you. I moved out of the Vancouver area in 1968 to Alberta. I am sorry we lost such a gifted and get-it-done musician as Al at such a young age. I understand that Al Wiertz embraced faith in God at some point and like jazz, faith is always a theme of interest to me as I tell people, I work for the biggest boss in the world (no, not Microsoft) as a Legion Padre & church pastor. I am keen to hear Al's recordings! Music is very important in our family as our daughter is a pianist, vocalist and music teacher and our son is a professor of Music Recording!

[Pattie Bessette]

Ken - if you would like me to send you Al's last album, I have a great email for you! You can write me at: prbessette@shaw.ca

I have lost a lot of people to cancer, because of Al's deep faith, he is the one I would have to say died peacefully... thanks.... Pattie