...will be at Gruene Hall, November 17, 2009, 7-11 pm. Musicians, family and friends from Nashville to Austin to Roanoke, Virginia, will gather in New Braunfels, to give tribute to the life and music of Keith Ranson Carper, 50, longtime bassist for country artist Hal Michael Ketchum. Born in Hollywood, Florida, and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Keith has been a resident of Texas since 1989 when he followed fellow musicians and friends Gene and Betty Elders to Austin from Roanoke, Virginia. Carper, a Berklee College of Music alumnus, instantly grabbed the attention of the Austin music community as a profoundly gifted bassist, garnering a coveted top ten position in the prestigious Austin Chronicle Musicians Poll, landing him work with renowned Texas artists George Ensle, Tish Hinojosa, the Bow Brannon Band, the Primitive Moderns, Kris Kristofferson, Hal Ketchum, and later, Stephen Bruton & the Resentments. Keith's love of music and an inimitable, intuitive artistry defined each performance. But it was his unforgettable work with Hal Ketchum that put his artistry on the international musical map, and subsequently forged a friendship with Ketchum lasting more than 20 years.
Sadly, on September 22, 2009, Keith collapsed at home from a fatal heart attack. Later that week, during opening strains of Bob Ferguson's classic hymn, "On the Wings of A Dove", a grief-stricken Ketchum would spontaneously eulogize his longtime pal:
"There wasn't a garden he couldn't grow,
there wasn't a pastry he didn't know--
There wasn't a home he wasn't welcome in;
there wasn't a song he couldn't sing,
there wasn't a note he couldn't reach--
there wasn't a friend he wouldn't come to..."
Keith will be long remembered by all who knew him for his gentle sweetness, his love of life organic, his relentless penchant for gardening, an eternal willingness to help others, his ready smile and unforgettable laughter, and of course, his consummate artistry. Keith didn't simply play music, he became it.
Regrettably, like too many brilliant musical lights we have known and loved, he died without medical benefits. To help offset remaining financial burdens, the evening at Gruene will also be a benefit--all proceeds and donations going to this end. The evening will be opened by pastor and fellow musician, Kent Johnson. Special guests will include Keith's daughter, Chelsea, and numerous musical friends. Those unable to attend may send donations via the Paypal "DONATE" button on this page, or send check or money order earmarked to the "Keith Carper Memorial Fund", c/o Whistling Pig Music, P.O. Box 935, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.
For more information you may call Central Texas Music Service/Whistling Pig Music at 512-858-9215, or simply go to KeithCarper.com or Gruenehall.com.
--Betty Elders
Friday, October 2, 2009
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8 comments:
Keith and I use to share a little white house in Roanoke, VA late 70's early 80's and shared our dream together and, that was to play music. I played drums and man did he play the bass. There wasn’t a song he couldn’t play and that was an immense inspiration to me. I learned a lot from Keith. He made me play! Perform rhythms and chops I didn’t know about just to keep up with him and that was a good thing. We ended up calling our rhythm section “Fatback”. I took that given knowledge and feel and used it throughout my musical endeavor with the band Cimarron and then to Nashville. Keith and I hooked up again while residing in Nashville. . Hung out, talked and what? You guessed it “listen to music”. He just told me about the job with Hal Ketchum and that he was thinking about moving to Texas. It seems that was probably the best decision he ever made because what I have viewed and heard in the past several days were the warm and generous thoughts of people who befriended and love him dearly. I too will miss him dearly and will never, never forget the times we had and shared together.
Play me a song Keith. . alias “Petey”
I will play for you. . I will miss you and we will together- someday play again.
Love you, Tony Piro
I played with Keith many times. He was so great & such a nice person.
When the first c.d. with Hal came out that he played on he told me about it & I said that I would get one. Then I asked, " did they put your picture on the front of the cd?"
Keith says, " No, they only put the pretty people on the front!" Then we both just started laughing!
What a great guy he was.
Richard Kelley
I met Keith in 2001, through our mutual friend Paul Wilson. I was off the road and between gigs, and Paul was calling me for some of his local jobs. At one of them, he introduced me to this tall, laughing fellow with a ragged-looking Fender P-bass, out of which he coaxed notes that made songs work, made musicians think, and made everyone pay attention.
Something about being onstage with Keith brought music out of my pedal steel that I didn't know was in there. But in addition to being an awesome and inspiring musician, Keith was the first guy you'd want to just hang out and spend time with.
Everyone knows what a sweet tooth Keith had, and I have the same affliction. One night he challenged me to a chocolate throw-down, so I accepted. He made a big fudge brownie with chocolate frosting, put a pint of chocolate ice cream on it, emptied a jug of Hershey's syrup on top of it, cut it in half and the contest was on. I guess we both won, because we both finished, nobody got sick, and boy, did we both have a sugar rush going. We grabbed some instruments and played some light-speed bluegrass till we came back down.
...then there was the time Keith coerced me to put my finger into the mouth of that 4-foot parrot...
Emmett Roch
I will never, ever forget Keith Carper. We met when he was in 8th grade and he and Alan and some other guys, "willie" were in RazzMaTazz(sp?) and they were playing reguarly down at "Gideons" off Brambleton beside the Lester business. First time I heard some 'Little Feat', mainly 'Willin'. Hung out with Keith and some friends for awhile. He was crazy wild, yelling "yiii!" and "eeee-ore" out the windows of the car to freak people out! He is one of the most unique individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Hadn't seen him since 1987 until his father passed away a few months back. I am so glad I got to see him one more time. He said how the Blue Ridge Mountains had gave him peace as he flew in Roanoke after being so grieved over his father's passing. I asked him if he ever remembered us plain folk from home and he said "oh,yes." We talked about how things were when we were growing up (adolescing) and he said it will never be the same for the next or any generation to come. Things aren't going to get better here, just on the other side. Wow, will the circle be unbroken. Ode to Keith Carper, forever there will be a place in my heart for him and his family.
Vickie Haskins Vest
I first met Keith in Colorado 94. From that first moment we hit it off, Keith was full of laughter and mischief. We shared stories about 'on the road' touring and later he aided me in recording.
keith always passinate about his music and loved those he played with! He had a big heart, a contagious smile, and a fun loving spirit. keith told me one night, "Keith never leaves the ones he loves". I know he will always be with us so when you hear a bass playing in the distance and smell cinnamon rolls, Keith isn't far. Darling Keith,I shall always treasure our memories.Always in my heart friend.
Suzanna Eckchum
The last time I saw keith was in Gruene, Sept. 19, 2009. He was playing the dance hall that night. Earlier we saw each other before heading to Gristmill. I will always remember that moment when Keith, (wearing knee length shorts, t-shirt and scandals) hurried up the walk way to catch up with Nico.They were both heading to the Gristmill for dinner. He was a pocket full of energy, smiling and seem so very happy. That night, Keith displayed the greatest bass playing I've ever seen. He was completely in his element. Will miss you Keith. There won't be a time I won't think of you especially everytime I walk that walk way towards the Gristmill. Thanks for that beautiful smile and laughter.
Save a cinnamon roll for me.
Love,
Suzanna Eckchum
I worked with Keith back in 96, 97 & 98 while serving as Hal Ketchum's road manager. Out on the road with Keith, toph & wilbur. Some of the best times of my life. Probably the lowest maintenance guy on the road I've ever worked with.
He was so fun to be around and I don't believe I ever saw him mad.
He would make me laugh all the time.
When I heard of his death from Hal I was shocked. I hope this reminds me to call old friends more. I will miss him he was a great man.
I played with Keith way back in the high school days. Had a bluegrass band back then called "Home Grown Grass" Spent many a weekend from 76-79 going to festivals and such. I have a fond memory of playing for the Grayson County Deputies at the jail one Sunday morning while one of our "gang" was released from the nigh before. Hadn't seen Keith for years, but the memories of our youth have lasted forever.
Eli Williams
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