Update: please see the Cumpston family blog at: http://blog.cumpston.us/
This past weekend, percussionist Jeff Cumpston passed away in Zimbabwe. He was struck and killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle.
Obviously this is terrible news for his family, friends, and students. Rather than focus on the sad, I’m going to use this space to share a story about meeting and playing with Jeff – something that was probably a positive experience for all of the musicians or students that had the pleasure to know him. If others would like to add their stories here as well, please do so in the comments or email submit@jazzpdx.org and I’ll add the stories into the post.
One of the gigs that I look forward to most in Portland is playing with the Mel Brown Septet. The group swings hard and can bring a ton of energy when they are in the groove. Of course, one of the most important voices in that band is Mel’s, but he can’t always be there. When he’s gone and I’ve been subbing, I’ve had the chance to play the gig with Ron Steen, Carlton Jackson, Drew Shoals, and Jeff Cumpston. All of the drummers seem to relish the chance to play with the band – burning tempos, being able to kick the band behind Renato’s screaming solos, etc.
I’d had the chance to play other gigs with the Ron, Carlton, and Drew, but when Jeff showed up to sub one night, I didn’t really know what to expect. My only experience with him had been limited to seeing him conduct the West Linn bands at High School band festivals. High School directors are not always known for their performing ability; apparently, this did not apply to Jeff.
The book for the septet is an homage to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, but it is by no means just standards and arrangements that appeared on their records. There’s also a healthy body of originals (many contributed by Gordon Lee) that are complicated and involved for the drummer – I’ve seen a couple sit in and be cautious about entrances, dynamics, etc. Again, this did not apply to Jeff.
Jeff absolutely blew me away on that first gig I played with him. He brought as much (if not more) energy to the bandstand as any drummer I’ve every performed with. When he played, he seemed to be wholeheartedly invested in the music. He played in a way that was not at all selfish, but rather in a manner that was supportive and sensitive to everyone else playing while pushing to bring the whole band to his energy level.
When we weren’t on the the bandstand, Jeff was a truly warm and kindhearted individual. Even though I’m sure he’s seen thousands of students play and has taught that many as well, he remembered meeting me and hearing me when I was at Grant High School. He wasn’t a teacher just trying to get through the day and the years looking forward to retirement – he was genuinely interested in education, his students, and the art form.
After that gig (probably sometime in 2006) I only had a few more chances to play gigs with him, but each one was just as enjoyable. I remember hearing he was leaving for Zimbabwe (I found this out when Art Abrams mentioned it while announcing the rhythm section to the audience at a gig at Lewis and Clark) and wishing I had more chances to learn from and perform with him. I still wish that were true.
- John Nastos
I can’t believe this. Jeff was such a great guy, an inspirational teacher with an amazing amount of positive energy. He was also hysterically funny. I had a phone message from him in my voice mail box for a couple of years that I’d listen to every time my voice mail was full for a good laugh. It was five minutes of him trying unsuccessfully to remember someone’s name and eventually giving up, classic. I wish I would’ve kept it now.
- Tim Willcox
I remember needing a drummer from Marcus and I Sense of Direction Band and he called Jeff. I really didn’t know him at that time “5 years ago” and was thinking AH HELL this is going to be a rough night. We got this drummer who is a high school band teacher and he probably can’t even swing. lol
So after the first song and after I finally got over the shock of how Jeff Cumpston played the Hell out of Marcus Reynolds song I was like this is going to be a great gig!
- Farnell Newton
Such a loss; Jeff was a very warm, friendly guy with a great sense of humor. I’ll always remember having great conversations with him and his great playing.
- Derek Bondy
One of the first great drummers I played with, back when I was just starting to gig. I will never forget his positive energy and ferocious drumming back then. we were literally covered in sweat for hours. He played really great and cared about being honest and sincere. Everyone respected him on all levels as he was beyond reproach. He can not be replaced.
- Dan Schulte
So many memories… I remember coming home for Christmas my first year of college and meeting up with him and Alex Geffel to see some jazz. We went up to Portland, to some bar in a hotel. Zanny and I were only 19, but he was able to convince them to let us stay as long as he stayed with us and didn’t drink. I hadn’t really played bass since the … Read Moresummer, and I was out of shape. I can still remember the feeling of playing together when we sat in. He was pushing me so hard, I was so tired, but he wouldn’t let me lag. He pushed me all the way to the end of the tune, supporting me with his encouraging playing and smile. I still need him to push me…
- Amy Roesler Stout
Out of everyone in the Portland-metro area, Jeff Cumpston has had the biggest impact on my life… Read More—as an educator, as a father, as a musician, and an incredible friend. I realized we were close when Jeff began including me more in his life. Picnics with his close friends, sipping wine while listening to the latest Metheny album, handing out on my deck and shooting the breeze, endless hours of conversation about raising kids, teaching, drumming…
I could go on and on—there is so much to say—so much will be said. The guy was one of my best friends and mentors. I will miss him- Ronnie LaGrone
I am still in shock… i have known Jeff for over 20 years. He was a wonderful person, great teacher, and a great player.
- Dave Mills
I first met Jeff after I decided, on a whim, to go see a West Linn High band concert. It was the last concert of the 2003 (I think) school year. Jeff always made the last concert a special one for all his Seniors. It was full of goofiness and fun. I was so blown away by the quality of all the bands not to mention the fact that this one director ran three concert bands and a jazz band really amazed me. The Jazz Band played an arrangement of Synchronicity by the Police that he had commissioned just for them, and it was stunning. It wasn’t just the playing and musicianship that floored me; everyone in that old, small auditorium could see the special bond Jeff had with his students. The all truly love him, and he loved them.
I left that concert determined to be a part of such a program. I e-mailed him and asked if he could use any volunteer help with the percussion sections. To my surprise, he responded, and was eager to meet me and involve me. He invited me to work with his Concert Band I group, and it was a magical experience for me. His students were so receptive to this ‘Old Guy’ coming in to coach them, and they made me feel welcome as a fellow musician.
Through the next few years, until he left for Zimbabwe, I showed up once a week to work with whichever band he wanted help with. I learned almost as much from him in that time as his students did, and I was able to witness his incredible talent in teaching music to his kids. You have to understand, I had a band director through junior high and high school that openly despised his students. That director said, in front of the whole band – more than once: “There’s nothing dumber than a drummer”. Jeff, in all my time working with his bands, never ever said anything hurtful or disrespectful to his students. He was always the consummate leader and mentor, and thousands of students have benefitted from his beautiful spirit.
He was a truly great man, and I will miss him sorely.
Thank you for presenting this forum for letting us all remember and honor him.
- Bryan Wynn
My lasting memory will be of him subbing for Mel with the Tuesday night septet. That great band is historically hard on subs, working them to death on arrangements that many of them have played together for over twenty years. I’ve seen many great players get their asses handed to them on a silver platter from that band. So here comes Jeff, and of … Read Morecourse, he swings like a m*********! Just owns the music. And lifts up and supports all of the guys just like Mel does and it’s beautiful and aggresive and everything you want from a jazz drummer. And then there are his students. Well… We can all thank Jeff for adding to the great legacy of jazz in Portland.
- JD Stubenberg
August 10th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Out of everyone in the Portland-metro area, Jeff Cumpston has had the biggest impact on my life—as an educator, as a father, as a musician, and an incredible friend.
The best three years band-teaching career were in West Linn—where I taught band to Rosemont Ridge. It was a joy to watch him transform young musicians into accomplished professional “cats.” I spent a lot of my time professionally pleasing Jeff—I asked him lots what he wanted the kids to know before they got to the high school band program and do everything in my power to get them there. Over the years, we became really close. Even after leaving the district, we kept in touch—and I would often show up to his concerts. It was always a pleasure to see how the kids were blossoming under his instruction. Some nights, we would go hang afterwards and we would talk about EVERYTHING.
Jeff and I would hit Ron Steen’s jazz jams from time to time. Cumpston was my favorite Portland drummer. I hated to follow him (grin). One night, we chatted about that over a beer. I’d say something to the effect of “dude, I hate following these super heavy cats…” He’d always build me up and say “Man, you can play! You need to get over that—you bring what YOU bring to the table.” When Jeff played the kit…he pushed the envelope…through every phrase…through every fill…he WENT for it. He had an impeccable musical ear, was a great ensemble player, but when he turned his head slightly while playing the ride cymbal—he was in his head working out some fierce angst that filled the room in a most excellent way.
I realized we were close when Jeff began including me more in his life. Picnics with his close friends, sipping wine while listening to the latest Metheny album, handing out on my deck and shooting the breeze, endless hours of conversation about raising kids, teaching, drumming…
I could go on and on—there is so much to say—so much will be said. The guy was one of my best friends and mentors. I will miss him
August 10th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
There is a whole generation of kids who are now well into there late 30′s and 40′s that have Jeff to thank for their love of music, love of teamwork, and for his fine example of what it means to live through actions…Jeff was an amazing human being, a true leader and always a warm friend. I had the plaeasure of getting to know him back ni the mid 1980′s when he was student teaching at Aloha High School with Pat Vandehey. “Chief” as we called him then, had a way of driving, inspiring you to do the very best you can, while at the same time totally contributing to the benifit of those around you.
I guess I always took for granted that we could catch up again someday at a gig, or at a festival somewhere…I can hear him now telling us all to listen, think and breathe…
Jeff taught us that in life, as in music, that sometimes the music is really found “between” the notes…to keep it simple, pure and easy…
He will be sadly missed by all of his students, young and old alike, along with his many fans, friends, colleagues and family I’m sure.
Godspeed Chief…We’ll be listening for you.
Wayne Ryan
Aloha High School Class of ’88
August 11th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I’ve heard it said that one of the few things that we humans hope to do while on this earth is to make an impact. It is fair to say that Jeff stands among the highest ranks in the depth and length of impact he had on others.
I was fortunate to have began playing with Jeff in about 1979 or so, when he moved back to Portland from Detroit. He was on fire. We probably played at least 500 gigs together and he was one of my most dear friends. I had first met him in about 1971 or 72.
I had breakfast with Jeff last month when he was home to visit. We caught up on family things and talked about music and teaching.
Jeff taught music for all the right reasons. He came to the understanding that no matter what the circumstance or level of musicianship, the most important thing is to stay connected to the childlike joy that drew each of us to music in the first place. After that, simply come to play every time and do it at 1000 percent.
We used to hang out at his house in Beaverton and Alan Jones and Tim Rap would come by for their drum lessons with Jeff. He made an impact then and continued to do so throughout his life.
I think we each have very few truly dear, close, and longtime friends. Perhaps 3 or 4. Jeff was one of mine and I mourn his loss.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I’m stunned.. still having a hard time grappling with this. He was among one of the most special individuals I’ve encountered. This is one of those events that makes you wonder what possible justification, cosmic or otherwise, could ever be posed for such tragedy. It’s just not fair.
I met Jeff in early 2001 shortly after landing a job at Wally’s Music in OC. I remember my former boss Steve bringing him over into the drum shop saying “you need to get to know THIS guy”. Suffice it to say I was always honored whenever he came in outfit his percussion section with gear. Upon visiting his band room I’d have to say it was the most well equipped, cleanest and best laid out of any I’ve ever seen.
I’ve never failed to site Jeff’s craft while explaining to others the epitome of what a band director should really be.. caring, loving, motivational, incomparably authoritative, witty, musically gifted and deeply inspirational in every since of the word. I always used to tell him I wished he could have been my band director also, because those turned out to be the some of most important and influential musical experiences in my youth.
I was lucky enough to see Jeff play on a number of occasions, most notably filling in for Mel’s ensemble at the old Jimmy Macs. I’ve never heard anything quite close to it. He had this incredible frenetic energy and tempered power about his drumming that hinted at the decades of performance… amazing, jaw-dropping virtuosity that never let up.
Probably one of the coolest things I’ve seen is how effortlessly he joined in with his students to play at concerts. The novelty of this, not only to witness but as an terrific experience for the kids themselves, cannot be overstated.
Once, off the cuff he started ripping it up on this used radio shack-special tabletop electronic kits we had in the store.. he made that little thing sound like a million dollars.
I heard at the last minute about the tribute last year and made it just in time to see the astounded look on his face when he walked into the auditorium…priceless. That was a really great day.
The last time I saw Jeff he stopped in my store unexpectedly in late June to pick up some sticks for a show that evening and whipped out some of his formative rudimental chops on a drum pad I’d been working on. I spontaneously gave him a hug because I didn’t realize he was actually back in town and what a privilege it was to see him. When I invited him over to our place for a BBQ he said “if I had a nickel for everyone who said that recently”.
I feel privileged to have known such a gifted and amazing person. Words cannot describe the sadness I experience knowing he’s left us. My heart aches for his family and friends. His legacy will last forever within the legions touched by his spirit. I will truly miss him.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:03 am
It is always difficult to accept events that seemingly have no purpose save causing pain and heartache. After reading Tom Wakeling’s comment,
one would have to agree that Jeff lived his life for very unselfish reasons. Whether it be through his teaching, playing, composing, or incredibly, by sharing his own family with so many others far away on a distant continent, Jeff has given back to our planet in ways that most of us will never begin to approach.
My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Jof Lee