Guitarist Frank Dawson, passed away a few days ago unexpectedly from advanced spinal cancer.  Frank was one of the first musicians I met as I began my career in Chicago in the early 70’s, as he was the guitarist in the band, Batucada, who I regularly went out to hear at clubs like Orphan’s and Ratso’s.  Frank’s wonderful wife Anna was the always excellent vocalist in the group, the late Thomas Kini played bass and my Chevere bandmate Alejo Poveda was the drummer.  Guitarist Greg Davidson reminded me yesterday that Frank was one of the judges at the high school battle of the bands that our group, the Weaver Beatty Blues Band, won back in 1969.

Frank and I got to “hit” musically rather sporadically over the years, but each time was a pleasure, given Frank’s great abilities on the guitar and his always positive vibe.  Some of our last gigs together were with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble performing at Orchestra Hall and the Chicago Jazz Festival.  Our final meeting was at Columbia College bass juries in December.  I recall noting my tendency to be a bit of a hard-ass in my evalutations, while Frank was much more forgiving of the student’s strengths and weaknesses.  I think this characteristic was one of the things that made him the successful educator that he was.  Frank was a good guy all around.

Frank Dawson will be missed.  Rest In Peace, Frank.