12 Moons Solo Saxophone Project Day 299

Date: 10/26/2013

Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Location: Home studio in Clinton, WA (Whidbey Island)

Notes:

This morning I learned that Howard Bowker, a father, grandfather, friend to many and joyous person to all passed away. Howard was the father of my friend Mike Bowker, a close friend and fellow musician I grew up with through middle school and high school. Howard was one of a few rare souls on this earth that could make a person feel so good, and so central every time I talked with him. In middle school, when it seemed like every conversation with an adult was cursory, Howard would philosophize about the world with me.

I’ve spent an amazing day with my wife today, just talking, cooking and driving around the island. In reflecting on Howard’s passing I thought so much about this today. There were so many people from my past that excerpted the tiniest bit of influence over me, and it’s often hard to notice it at all with some folks. Of the memories I have of Howard, it was his unwavering love for his late wife Ann that always struck me the most. Howard adored Ann, and it was extraordinary to see them together as a unit. After she died, Howard kept a journal with a daily count numbering the days on this earth he had to spend without her. I feel so thankful to have known Howard, and to have grown up with a role model that gave me happiness and humor in every conversation. Of the subtle influences I absorbed growing up, I am so thankful today for Howard and Ann, who showed me what a union between two people could be.

This improvisation is an elegy for Howard Bowker.

-Neil

The image accompanying today’s post is Howard. Rest in peace.