Tribute to John Havard - I'll Never Know Tomorrow - David Elias & The CasualTees

In memory of our dear friend John Havard: 1949 - 2009

David Elias & The CasualTees - recorded live at the San Gregorio General Store, April 19, 2007

David Elias - acoustic/vox/harmonica
Ken Owen - drums
Reid Dennis - percussion
John Havard - electric guitar
Roger Powell - keyboards
Gary McArthur - tenor sax
Charlie Natzke - semi-electric guitar/vox
Scott Beynon - bass / vox

Our community created video of David Elias & The CasualTees performing in San Gregorio, California in April 2007....My sentiments at the time, shared in personal ways with all those involved was to record the band in honor of our dear friend and musically soulful brother John Havard. We did just that over a period of 3 consecutive nights graciously hosted by San Gregorio General Store. The soundtrack and video are our performance of my song 'I'll Never Know Tomorrow'.

John had just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in one lung and emphysemia in another. That was my understanding at least. I believe it was a surprise to us all but there was no doubt that he was suffering physically. Our musical bonds across the band and many local listeners and some distant listeners encouraged The CasualTees to record our sound at the time. With the help of many, including all of those named in the video as well as so very many other supporting hearts and kind souls, we staged these 3 shows as well as other events in Johnny's honor.

I am so proud to have played music with this masterful artist and gentle articulate being. I learned so much from John and enjoyed so many hours, afternoons and evenings in his company since meeting him in the mid-90's. For that I am always grateful and miss him as the brother he was to me. Having him join us on so many shows and some recordings over the years has been nothing less than a soulful experience for me. The music and video are intended to speak for that better than I can write it.

In peace and with much Aloha to those involved in the project, and to all of those supporting our music over the years, Mahalo Nui Loa!

Credits for instrumental (intro to 'Half an Hour Away' from 'The Window'):
David Elias: acoustic
Matt Flinner: mandolin
Eric Thorin: upright bass
Ross Martin: ambient electric

- DE

Category:

Music

Tags:

• David Elias
• San Gregorio
• John Havard
• CasualTees
• General Store
• acoustic
• folk
• folk rock
• live music
• SF Bay Area
• tribute
• memorial
• Roger Powell
• San Francisco

[jdhamiltonx2]

I played with (piano) John out of Nevada City with the Bob Mora and the 3rd Degree Blues Band and he was killer and a very nice person.John was a country gentleman and I loved his sense of humor.That man could play and he would mesmerize me as to what he could put down in a simple shuffle beat just playing rhythm let alone lead.Love ya John! jd

[jring1]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope John H. is jamming with the stars where he is now.

And great to see Gary's still jamming after all these years. Tell him he's still got friends here in Taiwan --Sandy Murray, Paul Malfara, and John Ring are all still here.

[bykimberly]

The good old days of David Elias Band and the late GREAT John Havard. We are so lucky here in the Bay Area to have San Gregorio General Store to hear such fabulous musicians. Miss the band, miss John... This vid is breaking my heart...

[fionajoy]

I was mesmerised - by the song, the performance and John Havard - what a talent! f