The world has lost a great musician, and Farm Aid has lost a friend.
LeRoi Moore, one of the founding members of the Dave Matthews Band, died Tuesday from sudden complications stemming from injuries he sustained in an all-terrain vehicle accident in June. He was 46.
LeRoi played with the Dave Matthews Band at Farm Aid for the first time in 1995. It was the first stadium show for the band, one of so many more to come! His contribution to the band was so prevalent in their style and music. According to the band’s website, LeRoi and Carter (Beauford, the band’s percussionist) have been jazz compatriots for years, playing together at paying gigs and informal jam sessions. “Jazz is probably my main influence,” admitted LeRoi, who also had classical training. “But at this stage I don’t really consider myself a jazz musician.” For him, DMB remained a challenge because there was room to explore, to respond to the expressions of the other four players. “I have plenty of space to improvise, to try new ideas,” said LeRoi, whom Dave credits with arranging many of the songs he writes. “It’s almost better than a jazz gig.”
I am one of Farm Aid’s resident DMB fans – they were my first big concert, and I have so many memories of traveling to different cities to see the band for the past ten years. LeRoi was a particular favorite of mine – the kind of guy that exudes cool. One of my favorite songs showcases him really well; ‘Crush’ reminds me of the smoke-filled jazz clubs that I can imagine him playing in his early career.
We will miss you LeRoi!
