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Were so sad to hear of Arties passing. We have wonderful memories of him and
he will be sorely missed.All our love and condolences to Bev, Happy, Jane
and family
Susan and Marty Carey and Debby and Oscar Ogg
7/22/08
Please accept my condolences for the loss of a fine artist. Several times over the years I had the joyful experience of attending Mr. Traum's performances, which were always delightful. I have many friends up in your neck of the woods who knew and respected Artie, and always spoke well, and often ecstatically, about him as an artist and as a person. As a young man, I was very much influenced by his unique style and personality, as were many of my fingerpickin' friends.
I am a sentimental Irishman, so forgive me if I say his spirit will live as long as music reigns over this earth.
Micheal Carroll
New York, NY - 7/22/2008
The obit in today's Times brought back many memories of Artie. I think I was 15 or 16 when I met him, he was the friend and neighbor of my still-best friend Marc Kaminsky on Mornoe Avenue, right near the Tremont Avenue station. I think Artie was on Mt. Hope Place. (I lived a few stops up the D-train line). Anyway, we had all heard The Weavers, Artie had a distinct advantage a) because he had the role model of his brother and b) because he had some talent. The rest of us kind of thumped along on endless renditions of Michael Row the Boat Ashore, etc. We formed a group., I don't think we had a name--but it was me, Marc, Joyce Beckett ( who also had at least a little more finesse than Marc and I, I think she had had a few lessons) and Artie. We actually had a gig, for the kids at Marc's former Hebrew School. Artie played very well. Joyce played OK--she had a few runs that she could do. . I won't speak for Marc, but I know I just kind of thumped. . I don't recall getting asked back.
And we hung out quite a bit through high school, in the village, at Wash Square on Sundays, at each other's houses---talking endlessly (this was in the late 50s)-- about life, a rt, politics, in some anticipation of the welcome explosiveness oif the years to follow. And then, once we went to college, we lost touch. Over the years, I tried to follow his career, bought an album or two, watched for any notice of his appearing in the SF Bay Area. I think we saw each other once, my wife and I went backstage to see him after he had performed somehwere out here.. it was a little awkward but it was nice to see him.
I think of Artie with great affection and warmth. I remember his soidity and his warmth and humor. He played a part in an important period of my coming of age -- if indeed I ever have -- and I have not forgotten him. I called Marc to let him know as well, he is recovering from knee replacement surgery, but I'm sure that he' will be in touch also. I am sorry that he is gone, I hope he didn't suffer, and I knw he did it with class, because he was a very classy young man when I knew him. I will always remember having been in his very first band.
My best to all the Traum family. Happy may or not remember me and/or Marc, if I'm not mistaken he knew some of my older cousins.
It sucks. I'm very sorry.
Danny Beagle
7/22/08
Artie’s reputation as a kind, thoughtful person will stay around forever. So many people have mentioned how they would approach Artie at a festival or concert, asking guitar or song questions. He always had time for a smile and an answer. That smile and answer encouraged many a guitar player and folksinger who are still picking and singing today, some professionally, and some for the pure fun of it.
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
7/22/08
it is with both sadness and retrospect that i transpose my brief thoughts onto this keepsake.
artie and i were good friends at ccny during the 60's. the davidson sisters had loving hearts for us both and we had loving hearts for each other.
the 12-2 thursdays breaks on ccny south campus introduced me to the best travis and flat picking guitarist of his age group as well as the most studied scruggs picker short of eric weissberg.
his opt to not join the blues project, bespoke of arties love for more traditional guitar forms.
i have several home recording of artie and myself, done in my west end ave apartment.
it is with deep respect that i proudly admit that he was light years ahead of me in his guitar talents.
rest in piece my good buddy. your ego always stayed in the now and your virtuoso talents will travel with you
ad finitum
love and fond memories
larry birnbach
7/22/08
If I can see through my teary eyes I will say good-bye to a special and long-time friend. Artie Traum and I were young together, wrote songs, tried tosave the world together, and played as a duet together, and we had bands.
The first time I ever played in front of people it was because of Artie encouraging me to join his duo with Matt Biberfeld, and make it a Trio for this gig at the ATTIC COFFEE HOUSE in Boulder, Summer of 1961. I was actually driving them from Berkeley to New York for "gas money". I had only been playing less than two years, and Artie was already a whiz on instruments so I was not even thinking I was ready. But Artie said how great I was, and how we would do it so the crowd could not tell we were not "really" a group. And besides, says he, with that signature "head cocked to the side, eyes ever so bright" look "they pay by the number of members in the group and we could use the extra money". I remember singing WHEN I WOKE UP THIS MORNING, SHE WAS GONE, and Artie just was so encouraging to me then, and he remained so all his life. This means the world to an Amateur musician like myself. I mean the guy was so young, and so advanced and he took it on himself to get me, a nobody, going.
There are so many stories, but this is about how wonderful and fine a person he was, always. Everybody reading this or hearing this already felt that, as Artie was ever that way.
This last year we were able to reconnect a bit more often, and I treasure all those moments. The message from this untimely and dep loss is for the rest of us to just get up, get going, and get it done...or at least going.
How special was Artie Traum to me? I am finding out by the hour now, and I hope my other pals who are still with us stay in touch with me as I am ever more lonely now.
feeling lost in Berkeley,
peace without bombs,
WHEN I WOKE UP THIS MORNING,
HE WAS GONE....
marc silber
7/22/08
Dear Bev, Happy and Jane---
Shocked and saddened---deep gloom – like Artie’s Cold Front right into the gut..
But after some composure I smile at the vision of the man I was glad to know for the past 35+ years---engaging you with his guitar prowess, lyrics that only a jaded elf would thing of (killing me softly with Kung Fu---sure!!!), and a joyous demeanor
My thoughts are with you guys in this mourning time.
Reading the remembrances, I see the extended “Folk Mischpucha” pouring out the thoughts, homilies and touching words inspired by connecting with Artie.
To miss him is given---to remember him with a piece of one’s fiber feeling him is the reward from that connection.
Our paths don’t cross as much as they used to---but your faces and beings are with me.
My deepest condolences to you all---kiss all the kids and grandkids---tell them often of Artie
Much love---
Jules Schneider
7/22/08
Last night I said to my self that I would contact Artie in the morning to see how he was doing ,and now he's gone. We knew each other from the Bronx and the NYC folk scene. And then in Woodstock he gave a songwriter's workshop which was the jumping off point for my writing. Not only that, but it was there I met Curry Rinzler and Colleen (then) Carey , who were soon to invite me to live with the Beaverland Family in Willow, where I was to live for the next eight years.
We always had great conversations and emails , and I looked forward to many more years of the same. I'm thankful I got a chance to see him and play a couple of songs with Artie when he was last out on the coast.
My condolences to the family, Beverly ,Happy, Jane , Merry, April and Adam
Gerry Tenney
Oakland CA - 7/22/08
Artie was in my speech class at CCNY in the early 60s. While I didn't know him very well, I was so impressed being in the same class as Happy Traum's brother. I was very much into folk music. I'll never forget Artie giving a speech on the origins of folk music. He played his guitar and also sang. After that I knew that he was on his way to being a wonderful musician. My husband and I moved to Woodstock about three years ago. I had the opportunity to speak with Artie very briefly after a concert he gave in Hunter, NY.
I'm so very sorry to hear about his passing.
Judy (Jaffe) Filmore
7/22/08
Though my time with Artie was limited to a few occasions where he taught at Summersongs songwriting camp plus some email exchanges, I greatly valued our time together and am very saddened by his passing. He was a wonderful example for all musicians and a great mentor -- very humble, quick to share his cool chord voicings and playing tips, and one who showed such interest in others' music that you forgot you were sitting with one of the best acoustic players in the world.
Artie once agreed to show me his beautiful "Hills of Sicily" prior to a workshop he was conducting. When I got the voicings down, he said "So, what have you been writing lately?" I played him one of my tunes and he adeptly added his perfectly-timed, tasteful licks. Afterward, I asked if he would consider playing on the recording of that song, which he agreed to but we never found a convenient way to do that from many States away. When I sent him the final with my modest-imitation of his playing, he was, as always, gracious and supportive and said "you played about what I would have." If only that were true, but more importantly, if only I could sit with him again. He was a fine musician and a wonderful person.
Paul Harrison
Maryland - 7/22/08
Dear Happy and Traum Family,
The joy I felt at being able to perform with the Men's Gospel Bluegrass group at church on Sunday (July 20) has been tempered by learning about Artie's passing on that same day. I am saddened by the news and my prayers are with you and all who knew and loved him during his presence on This Side.
Happy & Artie's infectiously good natured tunes informed my interest in folk, blues and country music when I was in college in the 1970s, and long before Artie set out to instruct budding guitarists through tablature and videos, I was wearing out the grooves in the vinyl trying to learn his riffs.
I always saw Artie as the somewhat wary, more doubtful observer of the human condition, whether through his lyrics or liner notes, I don't know, but that impression that I have carried around all these years was blown away as I read his obituary in the NYT today and realized what a remarkable and positive impact he has made on music and in other people's lives and endeavors.
Will D.
7/22/08
You know, if you’re really lucky and life decides to treat you well and smile at you, you get to meet an Artie Traum.
Life decided to smile at me a while back, when I got to spend a week on the road with Artie and Beverly in Montreal and Ottawa, in October of 2006. It was a week which I thoroughly enjoyed, even if I did miss the radio interview because of no parking, or because Artie drove the wrong way, headed out of Montreal, on his way to a gig one rainy night. It’s quite a testament to the man that he could laugh at himself about that. Later that same night, we sat and tried to play together. I say "tried" because, well, I was completely outta' my league. He’d show me a few things on guitar and, when I tried to play them, I had nothin'. And that really was funny.
I remember returning from that trip, hoping that Artie and Beverly had enjoyed it even half as much as I had. That question was answered a few months later when I got an e-mail from Artie, which I still have, actually. "Thief Of Time" was due for release, and he'd mentioned that his head was spinning. I felt myself smile when I read in his e-mail: "…but if you want me north of the border - just holler". Man, that meant the world to me. We never found our way back up there, though.
Artie was one of the most engaging people I’d ever encountered, but he did so in such an easy and unassuming manner. He’d have you at ease before you even knew you were nervous.
Admittedly, I didn’t know Artie very well. I wish I would have. We’d exchanged an e-mail here or there, and I always had, in the back of my mind, the hopes to sweep through Canada with Artie again. Guess I’ll just have to do that on my own, with "Bonnie Jean" blaring on the CD player as I blow through the Rockies.
As for Artie, well, I can only wish him well on his journey from here, knowing that we’re all better off for having known him ...
Steve Parr
7/22/08
Here's something about Artie I remember fondly. I found myself playing a concert in Tromso, Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, for God's sake. Bleak, everyone dour. Looking around the theatre I saw that not long before that, Happy and Artie had been there, too. I had to smile; I wasn't the only nut on the tree, it seemed. Goodbye, Artie.
Tom Paxton
7/22/08
You made me laugh, and I'm a hard laugh. You made me think and I'm not a thinker. Most of all you made me listen. The times we shared are a joy to me and will always be there in my heart.
Slainté
KM
7/22/08
Dear Traum Family,
I just learned from Michael that Artie's battle is over.
My brief meeting will continue to live as a warm memory
in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Beverly
and all the family.
Fondly,
Marilyn LeBlanc
7/22/08
I have been watching the Homespun "Easy Steps to Blues Guitar Jamming " lesson and working on "Stranger Blues" which is the first song on the DVD.
He and Happy seem to have some genuine fun and this news hits ......it is like losing a close friend who has spent time in my living room with me. Only time heals loss. For his family and friends I hope time heals and leaves good memories.
Stephen
7/22/08
I never met Artie or his wife. We shared the same diagnosis
and talked briefly before his surgery. Even though the diagnosis
was not good, we had an opportunity to share our experiences.
I was looking forward to more conversations and being able to
support each other. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
Linda Kocher
Kingston, NY - 7/22/08
Artie was, and is, the embodiment of the Traum spirit.
And, that is a spirit of powerful passions, abundant creativity, and unconditional love.
From the moment you met Artie, he made you feel like family.
His enthusiasm and joy was truly infectious.
His searing wit always had you hurting and crying from laughter.
His smile lit up every room he entered.
He was an inspiration to me. He had a smart and subtle manner of making me feel confident about creative pursuits or impossible dreams that I was unsure of. Artie was a beautiful dreamer.
One of the last times I had seen Artie and Bev, they came down from Woodstock to a Norah Jones concert in NYC I was working on.
He knew everybody in the band -- of course! -- as people were drawn to him wherever he went. As always, Artie gave me that strong sense of an unbroken and endearing friendship -- that rare kind you only have with the closest of friends -- where you pick up right where you left off, regardless of the time in between. That's the kind of touchstone, in life, that I think gives our lives it's truest meaning. And, there was no greater champion for that heart-felt spirit than Artie. I am so thankful for the times I did have with him.
I want to convey my deepest condolences to Bev, Happy, Jane, Merry, April, Adam, and their beautiful families.
My love and prayers are with you all.
Michael McNamara
Los Angeles, CA - July 22, 2008
My heart goes out to you all. I don't know what to say in this time of sadness except that we were all blessed to have Artie as a friend and to share in his muse. I first met Happy and Artie in the early 80's at a get-together in Happy's back yard with Robin Williamson. I went on to work with Artie writing articles about him for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and reviews of his CDs for Acoustic Guitar and Taylor's Wood and Steel magazine, and to visit with him when he was in California. His gigs at NAMM were always a huge highlight of the year - with all the wonderful friends who joined him on stage including John Sebastian, Neal Wilkinson, Tony Levin, Jeff Pevar, Scott Petitio and others - and whenever I saw him play with Happy it was heaven.
Seeing him travel through his musical journey was also extraordinary because he was so versatile as a musician and could speak many languages. Back a few years ago when he was contemplating another jazz album he said in an email, "I'm still hoping to finish another jazz project, acoustic & electric guitar with a jazzy horn section, very Miles Davis, at least that's the idea. In over my head? Moi?" His"Acoustic Jazz Guitar" CD came out of that period.
Then when we talked for an article about "Thief of Time" he was relishing getting back to roots music as a continuation of "South of Lafayette." He raved about his collaboration with Wendy Waldman on the CD and the musicians he worked with on the album, and said the songs had just come out of where he had been writing from. He said, "It seems like there are influences from early heroes like Mose Allison, Lyle Lovett, Mark Knopfler... some earlier ones and some later. A little blues and singer-songwriter... I feel very comfortable with what I'm doing. It's the real me and it's effortless. This one hits the mark perfectly for me, for what I am now."
You will always be in our hearts Artie. I'll end this the way you always signed off on your emails,
"hugs."
Julie Bergman
Los Angeles - July 22, 2008
My heart sank this morning when I read the news of Artie’s passing. We have lost a great musician, teacher and inspiration. My sincere condolences to the Traum family and friends.
I was aware of Artie’s situation from a conversation a couple of years back with Chris Shaw. I inquired about Artie because I had the pleasure of seeing Chris and Artie perform with Tom Akstens as Big Trout Radio back in July 2004 at the North Creek Community Center. It was such a good show with music, stories and lots of humor about fishing – especially in light of Artie’s vegetarianism. The highlight for me was chatting with Artie after the show about music and life in general. He struck me as such a warm and down to earth person.
Artie gave so much joy to this world. I hope that energy flows back to his family and friends to ease the pain of this difficult time.
Steve Comeau
Fanwood, NJ - July 22, 2008
I saw the sad news today in the newspaper about Artie and would like to express my sympathy to the Traum family. Although I did not know him, I remember him from the '70s when I lived in Woodstock, and I'll always have good memories of him and his music.
Jean Ruggles
July 22, 2008
I am shocked and saddened by the news that Artie has passed away. Meeting him at the SummerSongs songwriter camp years ago was an uplifting experience that I looked forward to repeating each year. But now we won’t be writing that song together, or trading licks after class. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and close friends, because I was able to understand in my short time with him what a beautiful soul he was.
Severin Browne
Los Angeles, CA July 22, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Artie's death that seems to have come much too early! I first met Artie in the early seventies when I worked at The Bear Cafe and even tho I hadn't seen him in years when we were ran in to each other about a year ago and spoke briefly it was as if no time at all had passed. I always felt he was one of the nicest men I knew. I'll never forget sitting around with Artie and Pat Alger sipping wine and singing songs!
Beverly...I know you will miss your soul mate very much.
Bernie Slovensky
July 22, 2008
I was never a close friend of Artie's, but we go back a long way: to CCNY, circa 1963. I'll never forget his warmth and good humor at school, on stage, and in his visits to my apartment on the Lower East Side. When we ran into each other 20-plus years later at a Sing Out reunion, he was as funny and affectionate and attentive as he'd always been. You can take the boy out of the cafeteria.... We promised to stay in touch and didn't, but I knew that if we met again, we'd immediately be laughing and kidding around without missing a beat.
Eric Lowenkron
NYC - July 22, 2008
I first met Artie in 1968. I was very, very young, and very awed by the Woodstock scene, but Artie, like Happy and Jane, was always warm and treated me like I belonged. I think of his wonderful songs and guitar playing. Many times hearing him play with Happy in the Village and in Woodstock. Hanging out with Pat Alger. Talking to him about the Casteneda books as each came out. About cilantro, vegetables, deer in the garden, and many other things. Artie will always be a sweet piece of my life.
Jodi Beder
Mt Rainier, MD - July 22, 2008
I was honored to be a comrade in arms with Artie for more than ten years as we both worked with Taylor Guitars as clinicians. Occasionally we had the good fortune to meet on the road, and work together both on clinics and on recording projects. He played a second guitar part on the last piece from my most recent CD, the wo
nderful Stephen Foster ballad "Hard Times Come Again No More," which now seems even more as a fitting way to remember him and to honor him.
I will miss his warm wit, his musical talent, his gentle demeanor, and his skills spanning many genres and niches within our musical realm. My thoughts to out to the Traum family and especially to Beverly, and I apologize for not being able to make it to his memorial in Woodstock on July 24. With profound grief and appreciation of the passing of a wonderful man and musician.
Chris Proctor
July 22, 2008
I was very saddened to read about Artie's passing. I'm not sure how well known they were outside of the East Coast, but together he and his brother Happy made a wonderful duo. I was influenced by a lot of the songs they popularized: "Uncle Jed", "The Titanic", "the Hungry Dogs of New Mexico" and many others. And he was a terrific guitarist.
Additionally, they were a popular fixture and very influential around the Long Island Guitar Workshop in the 70's, where I got a lot of my musical training.
My condolences,
Robin Greenstein
July 22, 2008
I worked with Artie on several occasions with projects for WMHT Public Television in Albany, New York. I will always remember the passion and humor that just exuded from Artie every time we had the good fortune to meet.
My fondest memory, however, is during our production "A Woodstock Winter Celebration" that Artie co-produced. We had musical performances from Robbie Dupree, John Hall, Rory Block, Loudon Wainwright III, John Sebastian, Happy Traum, and others. Everyone was fabulous and a delight to work with. But I will always remember the radiance of Artie's face as he lovingly bent over his guitar to play and to transcend us all along with him to a perfect world of music and joy.
I know his soul now resides forever in that joy and music.
Marianne Potter
Schenectady, NY -
July 22, 2008
Artie is one of those people I can tell you exactly when I met. He and Bev came easily into my family's life. It was, with us as with so many of you, love at first sight. Artie and Bev were so comfortable in themselves and each other that you could not help but feel better just by the proximity. Artie knew who he was and liked who he was. I have to admit it sounds odd saying that since seemingly everything in the world worried him. But what didn't worry him was the quality of his character. He may have worried about where he was or what he was doing but he was confident and comfortable in who he was. And it made our talks with him and Bev firey and a pure joy. A good and honest man, he was one of the most interesting and thoughtful people I've ever had the privilege of calling "friend". I will miss him profoundly. I will miss his humor and conspiracy theories. My family will miss him.
Jim Lynch
Erie, PA -
July 22, 2008
From his picture on his homepage, he looks like a lovely man and I'm sure I would have liked him. I know his music was great and fun, and his accomplishments powerful. I'm so sorry for your loss.
julie shpiesel
oakland, ca. - July 22, 2008
I don't think I will ever feel that Artie is not with us anymore. I miss all the opportunities I've had over the years to keep more in touch. People like him should be held dear for life, and somehow, though we never really stayed in touch, I felt that Artie was always there through his music and the memories of times that we had together. You don't forget people like Artie Traum. They just don't come any better. My deepest to sympathies to Happy and Artie's wife and family.
Steve Katz
Kent, CT - July 22, 2008
I can still remember the day I was at a radio conference with my co-producer, Paul Porzio. While we were eating lunch, Artie calls me and says, "Are you sitting down?”.
I said, "Of course I am sitting down, I'm eating lunch!" Then Artie says, "Well stand up and go to quiet place where we can talk!"
So I moved out to the hallway and I hear Artie, all choked up, trying to get the words out that I had gotten him an interview on Weekend Edition about his new record “South of Lafayette”!
We both cried a little because we were so happy that the world be able to hear his story about the making of this incredible CD.
Fast forward, about a week later, I was at WFIT in Melbourne, Florida, getting ready to do my FM Odyssey show which begins at 10 a.m. on Sundays, and the very last thing NPR aired going into the 10 o'clock hour was his interview!
I remember sitting there, once again with tears of gratitude and happiness rolling down my face, knowing that a whole bunch of people were hearing Artie tell his story, finally!
As you know, we've been friends ever since and forever.
From the time I came to visit him at the Colony Inn in Woodstock for the concert that would end off the week-long songwriting workshops he did with new artists every summer, to the time he came down to Melbourne with Wendy Waldman to do a concert for FM Odyssey's 15th anniversary, I've come to realize how much he taught me about love and humility. What an incredible force he's been in my life.
I will always cherish the times Artie and I spent together, and as long as I am blessed with this platform called FM Odyssey, I will never let anyone forget his contribution to music and his contribution to making this planet a better place to live.
This link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1180113 will take you to the interview that Artie did on Sunday Morning, March 2, 2003. On NPR.
Fred Migliore
July 22, 2008
I met Artie at my brother's wedding in Hawaii (John D'Agostino and Amy DeGroot). I was impressed by his talent, but also by his humor and his humility at having such a great talent. We so enjoyed his guitar playing at the reception and getting to know him - and his lovely wife, Beverly. It was a wonderful time shared by a lot of good friends, and I'm so glad that we got to experience that with all of them. We have memories of that occasion that will be with us always.
Looking back, it seems it was a time in the history of their lives, planned by God, for everyone to get together - - one more time. I'm glad we were there to witness it. Life-long friendships were forged as they worked together over the years. So many things have changed since then - - the "shakeup" at Taylor Guitar that ended an era of these friends who worked and played wonderful music together, and now the death of one of the main musicians - Artie. Artie's family and friends will miss him greatly, but so will the music world. Beverly and Happy can be consoled by the fact that so many people knew and loved Artie and his music.
I am sure that God took Artie home to Himself, to have him play and entertain all those who are in heaven - especially for and with all the wonderful musicians whom he will now join there.
We pray for comfort and consolation for those Artie loves and who love him.
Don & Peggy Thompson
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 22, 2008
Artie was such a lovely, sweet and talented man. I worked with him at Marketing Equities International for many years and it was always a pleasure.
My deepest sympathy to Beverly and all who loved Artie.
Kelly Bennin
New York, NY - July 22, 2008
"I don’t eat things with ears," Artie to my then 13 year old, Julia. "That’s gentle" was her reply. Artie was a gentle human being. He stayed with us just over a year ago and I loved that he was a kitchen conversationalist. He just pulled up a stool and jumped right in and it felt like family. He was easy and lovely to have around. I am so sad at the thought that he and Bev will not visit my kitchen together, or that I will never see the two of them in their garden in Woodstock. Selfish thoughts, of course. My deepest feelings of love are for his brave wife, Bev. She was a warrior. Bev, Happy, Jane, and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pat chose you as his second family many, many years ago, and the passing of this most gentle husband, brother, friend, and professional will be forever felt. All of my love,
Susan Alger
July 22, 2008
I feel blessed to have known Artie, not just for his music but for his grace
and gentle manner that he carried with him to every stage. Over the past 30+
years I saw him perform on many a concert and festival stage. Yet my
favorite memory is of him, along with brother Happy and bassist Roly Salley,
at Folk City in 1983. It was simply just one heck of a delightful show. My
sincere condolences to the entire Traum family.
Stephanie P. Ledgin
July 22, 2008
Artie was a superb musician and a gentle soul.
It was a pleasure to know him and to create music together.
Our condolences to the Traum family and all at Homespun.
Laurence and Hope Juber
July 22, 2008
As time goes by, I realize there are people you love and get to spend time with, and people you love that you don't get to spend time with. Some are meant to be very close, and others are meant to be miles away. But the love you feel for them all is equally strong. You know that they are out there in the world, doing what they should be doing and that makes you smile and feel so good. Artie was part of our tribe - wandering, working, gathering, giving.
Many, many years ago, I thought I might do some songwriting and some singing. I recorded a few tunes, and Artie came in to play on them. When we were through, I listened to what he was playing. Honestly, it became all too clear to me that, well, I really should not be singing! His guitar was so sublime, that in comparison, my voice was "shower" material and should stay there! He was just miles above anything I could do. So, with a new respect for true talent and musicianship, I changed tracks and fate has since placed me doing what I do now. In retrospect, Artie, your kindness and graciousness at the time steered me towards the right way that I too could wander, work, gather and give.
But, I think for today, I will take out those old, buried recordings. I'd just like to listen to you play again, just for me.
I have tears in my eyes, and love in my heart, for Beverly, Happy and Jane, and Artie.
Nora Guthrie
July 22, 2008
Artie was one of my favorite people in the world. Though life changes in the last year or two had meant we did not get to see each other as often as I would have liked, I've always held Artie and Bev in my heart as two of my dearest friends.
It's hard to talk about Artie without saying “Artie & Bev”. I'm not sure how many people can say they've truly found their soul mate in life, but I am sure that they did… how fortunate they were to have had the time they did together, and to have spent it so well.
In the 15 or so years I've known Artie & Bev we've shared some of my favorite moments in life together. In 'Swimming to Cambodia' Spaulding Grey wrote about the search for the perfect moment... that was an idea that really resonated with me... the idea of looking for and experiencing those perfect moments in life when you would not change an thing… and I have to say that from dinners around their kitchen table, to walks around Cooper Lake, to our travels in Sicily... I had a great many of my own life's perfect moments in the company of Artie & Bev, and for that I will be eternally grateful… and what an incredible gift that is!
Bev- I can't look at a castle or fortress anywhere in the world without thinking of Artie and his wondering if Norman had been there. And if there is a heaven I think it might look something like Lipari, and Artie will be waiting for us at a café at the end of the dock with a bottle of “Aqua Frita” and a plate of Pasta a la Norma.
In addition to his sublime music, I always loved seeing an Artie performance for the stories and jokes, his really smart, slightly dry sense of humor in between the songs that would make everyone smile. He brought so much joy into the lives of those around him.
I will miss him so much... His way of expressing himself... I totally got it and loved it.... his intelligence and sense of humor…. his giving nature… the smile on his face & in his eyes.
I'm profoundly grateful that I got to see and give Artie a hug just a few weeks ago... to hear him crack another joke, and join him in his appreciation of the crazy surreal-ness of life.
I will always picture him with a smile ...
Pat Cadley
July 22, 2008
His videos and books inspired people to make and enjoy music. He lives on through all who have learned from him. My sincere condolences to the Traum family.
Greg McStay
NY, NY - July 22, 2008
Artie was my Friend...
the kind of friend you can have a secret handshake with....
the kind you can not say a word and know they know exactly what you are thinking....
the kind that inspire you, frustrate you, lookout for you, feed you...pump you up, knock you down
Artie was/is a constant... like the sun
he made me laugh,
he made me think
and now he's made me cry
Scott Petito
July 22, 2008
Although I did not know Artie real well, I have to say that every encounter
I had with him was a joy. We first met when I invited him to a Phil Keaggy
concert I promoted years ago. He expressed such gratitude at just being
invited to the show. It was fun to watch him and Phil do an impromptu jam
together on stage.
Artie was a class act. Always gracious and personable, the love and respect
he showed for his wife Beverly was always obvious when I saw them together.
Of course his music will be missed, but he will be missed more as the man he
was.
Thank you Artie!
Paul Grimsland
July 22, 208
I met Artie and Happy at Lincoln Farm Work Camp in 1959. They and their music were the center of everything there, and the delightful memory of them is still so strong after all these years that Artie's death has saddened me deeply. Only very special people leave such a mark.
Alice Michtom
July 22, 2008
I first met Artie at Izzy Young's Folklore Center in NY in 1967.
Since then we had a great time in NY, Woodstock, LA and in Japan.
All his fans in Japan miss him ...
-ARIGATO- Artie.
Hiroshi Asada
Tom's Cabin in Tokyo - July 22, 2008
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