My Friend Marc Sorger

[PSN Big Al]

This week I lost a good friend of mine in a senseless auto accident twenty miles north of Spokane, Washington. His name was Marc Sorger, He was 56.

Marc was one the best all-around musicians / studio cats I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. He was a vibrant and dynamic live performer as well as a gifted engineer and mixer.

He was also one of the few "golden ears" I've ever known. I swear he could spot a problem that was plus or minus 2 db at 18k . . . over the telephone.

As a performer (sax and vocals) he was so fun to watch. He lived and loved his music. His vocal range was stunning and he could do total justice to screaming rock and roll or a tender jazz ballad.

He had the kind of voice that made most people feel like just giving up their singing when they heard him. For some reason, it just made me want to be better. I studied him for hours and it was an education beyond monetary value.

He performed and wrote with The Dillards, The Righteous Brothers, Gino Vanelli, Michael McDonald, Dean and Carol Parks, Linda Ronstadt, Tom Wopat, Greg Topper, The Spirits Of Rhythm, Safe Sax and a host of others.

He also helped to design and build several studios, including Walter Brecker's place over in Hawaii a few years ago.

I had so many good times with Marc in the studio. We usually spent the whole session trying to recover from laughter. I remember one time we were working on some foley late at night and we were like two kids playing in their favorite sandbox together. It was pure joy and magic. That's the way it was always meant to be in the studio as far as I'm concerned.

Here's link to just a sample of some of his work, including some projects we worked on together. If you happen to have known him or worked with him, please post and let me know.

I can't begin to fathom that we'll never work together again. I miss him so much it hurts.

<inside_joke>
Oh, and by the way Marc. . .would you please stop playing those damn timbales?
</inside_joke>


.

[Charles Dye]

Al, my sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and Marc's friends and family.

I listened to the marc_demo mp3 and it sounded great. Beautiful voice and great sax work.

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by Charles Dye

Al, my sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and Marc's friends and family.

I listened to the marc_demo mp3 and it sounded great. Beautiful voice and great sax work.

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[otek]

Very sorry for your loss, man.


otek

[javajenkins]

I am saddened to hear of Marc's death. He and I were friends during our school years and then some after. I drove by his father's home two days ago and was reminded of "some of the days".

Am planning on going to Paul's Restaurant Saturday at 6 P.M. for what I understand is a gathering to remember Marc.

My daughter and I both think we saw you at The Spot tonight (Friday 10/12). Are we correct? The band playing there were two guitarists and a drummer. It was as if the sax player was missing in formation and made my evening a bit calmer after hearing this unfortunate news.

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by otek

Very sorry for your loss, man.


otek

Thank you otek. I sincerely hope that none of us will ever have
to experience anything like this.

I know, I know. I can dream, can't I?

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by javajenkins

I am saddened to hear of Marc's death. He and I were friends during our school years and then some after. I drove by his father's home two days ago and was reminded of "some of the days".

That makes me remember the last time I saw Marc's dad at
his place in Colbert. Quite the quiet craftsman was he.
It also reminds me how hard Marc took his passing and how
he carried his father's pipe around with him for some time.

Am planning on going to Paul's Restaurant Saturday at 6 P.M. for what I understand is a gathering to remember Marc.

I hadn't heard about that. I did hear today that Marc's daughter
was scheduling a wake of sorts with musicians playing in
Marc's honor at her place of business, Ella's Supperclub in
downtown Spokane on Sunday, November 4, 2007.

I will try my best to be their if at all possible.

My daughter and I both think we saw you at The Spot tonight (Friday 10/12). Are we correct? The band playing there were two guitarists and a drummer. It was as if the sax player was missing in formation and made my evening a bit calmer after hearing this unfortunate news.

No, it wasn't me. Where is that located?

Also, it's great to hear from someone who knew him. Do I
know you? Have we met before?

[javajenkins]

The Spot is located in Vancouver WA. I don't believe we have met before. Sorry to have posted my reply before adding my name-Vicki (Driver) Jenkins. Steve Paull told me about Marc's death tonight. Paul's Restaurant is located in downtown Vancouver.

vj

[javajenkins]

Good to hear about the Spokane gathering as we may be there at that time. Thank you. vj

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by javajenkins

The Spot is located in Vancouver WA. I don't believe we have met before.

Well then, nice to meet you.

Sorry to have posted my reply before adding my name-Vicki (Driver) Jenkins. Steve Paull told me about Marc's death tonight. Paul's Restaurant is located in downtown Vancouver.

Well, I'll have to seek it out, drop in and say hello. Maybe I'll
see you there some time in the near future.

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by javajenkins

The Spot is located in Vancouver WA.

Is this it?

http://www.cascadeblues.org/Venues/TheSpotBar&Grill.htm

And is the gathering later this evening (10/13) at 6 PM?

[javajenkins]

I hadn't heard about that. I did hear today that Marc's daughter
was scheduling a wake of sorts with musicians playing in
Marc's honor at her place of business, Ella's Supperclub in
downtown Spokane on Sunday, November 4, 2007.





Please let Marc's daughter know that the friends he had in Vancouver are saddened by his death and that we plan to gather here for memories. vj

[javajenkins]

Originally Posted by PSN Big Al

Is this it?

http://www.cascadeblues.org/Venues/TheSpotBar&Grill.htm

And is the gathering later this evening (10/13) at 6 PM?

Yes, The Spot you are referring to is the one I mentioned. It was, as far back as I remember, owned by the Wilcox's; then their son, Norm. Later it was sold and is now owned by Allan (last name unknown until I ask my daughter, Alison). vj

[javajenkins]

Originally Posted by PSN Big Al

Is this it?

http://www.cascadeblues.org/Venues/TheSpotBar&Grill.htm

And is the gathering later this evening (10/13) at 6 PM?

Yes. Address - 1800 Broadway ph#360 694-3552

[javajenkins]

Originally Posted by javajenkins

Yes. Address - 1800 Broadway ph#360 694-3552

the gathering is at Paul's Restaurant address above (not The Spot)

[Robert Moss]

I just heard the terrible news last night. Marc and I just exchanged hugs at Pig Out at the Park after not seeing each other for awhile. This is a loss for a lot of musicians around the Spokane area. He was not only a great player, but a great friend.

Robert

[otek]

Originally Posted by PSN Big Al

Thank you otek. I sincerely hope that none of us will ever have to experience anything like this.

Alas, I already did...

several years ago, Niclas Magnell, a good friend of mine and a brilliant classical guitar player, was killed in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer.

He was 27.

It's sad to lose any friend, it's sadder still to lose these talanted people who make the world so much better and more interesting just by being in it.

I completely know how you feel.



otek

[mousdrvr]

Big Al,

I'm very sorry for your loss. A great talent and I'm sure an even better friend.


-mous

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by Robert Moss

I just heard the terrible news last night. Marc and I just exchanged hugs at Pig Out at the Park after not seeing each other for awhile. This is a loss for a lot of musicians around the Spokane area. He was not only a great player, but a great friend.

Hey there Robert,

For Western Washington, Oregon and California too.

Marc was a regular player with Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield
(before he passed away) at the Righteous Brother's club and
with Greg Topper.

Around the Northwest he played with Casey McGill, usually as
The Spirits Of Rhythm.

I believe the album "Jump" was the last big project that Marc
produced, mixed and performed on. He was very proud of it.

Check up a couple of posts Robert for the get together that
Marc's daughter is arranging in Spokane.

Great to hear from you.

[PSN Big Al]

Originally Posted by otek

I completely know how you feel.

I could already tell that from your first post.

My condolences to you as well.