R.I.P. Dave Weisser (Oct. 11, 1939 - July 16, 2023)

Sad to receive the news that Dave Weisser passed peacefully away this morning (July 16) after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. 

My memories of Dave go back to when he arrived in England from the USA and worked part time alongside me in J.G.Windows Ltd, Newcastle's premier music shop.

That was just the beginning of the massive influence he had and, indeed, still had until relatively recently on the northeast music scene.

Perhaps his greatest legacy was Take it to the Bridge, the music workshop that ran for many years at a variety of venues and is still active every Wednesday at the Globe.

These sessions not only featured Dave's distinctive trumpet and later cornet style but also his vocals which were as cool as Chet Baker's or Mark Murphy's. However, as well as that the sessions were, and still are, a place where he was pleased to nurture young talent many of who went on to become full time musicians.

In October 2020 BSH interviewed Dave and his long time partner Jude (herself a fine musician) and they were posted in three parts:

PART ONE. 

PART TWO.

PART THREE.

They form a fitting remembrance of a unique man and a dear friend. My/our condolences go out to Jude and family. Dave was a one off, he was special, he'll be sadly missed - R.I.P. Lance

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE PHOTO ALBUM PART ONE. PART TWO.

80th BIRTHDAY BASH.