Hello friends of Doug,
I had a gig tonight (10/30/02) at the Four Seasons where I first met Doug about 5 years ago and learned of his passing. I'm in shock. We shared the lounge and often subbed for each other. We often played adjcacent shifts and even jammed together on a number of occasions. Doug quickly became one of the most endearing musicians I'd come across and had the joy of sharing music with. We traded CD's and my mother in law became a huge fan. She will be be as shocked as I am. She loved his music at a time in her life when things were really going bad and she often commented on how Doug's music lifted her spirits. So much so that as a special Christmas surprise I took her to see her new favorite piano player.
I loved Doug's joyfull spirit which I think makes for a great musician. It was a about a year ago that my 10 year old son and I were at Palomar Airport browsing around the flight schools, having lunch and we had just talked to an instructor about taking us for a spin. I walked around the plane and ran into Doug. He realized what we were up to and insisted on taking my son and I up for a spin. How could we resist. It's a ride Josh and I will always remember as we will always remember the kind hearted joyful piano player and friend.
Doug and I knew each other professionally through solo gigs, I'm surprised I didn't hear about it till now. As I sit here writing and remembering I'm listening to his album "Piano Pieces". I've had a really rough day. Extrordinarlily rough, very unusual. In fact it started out with a funeral where I provided music, several pieces of music equipment breaking down, my eye glasses breaking, a threatening letter from the government over a tax issue (misunderstanding), a gig with an overly critical client and the news of Doug's death to end the day. I'll quote Doug's liner notes commenting on his album "It is journey through the times, bitter and sweet, both adding depth and meaning. It is my vehicle...fueled with passion...propelled by love...moving through time and space...living every minute!" Thanks Doug, I'll remember you always, I'll continiue living every minute with the passion of music propelled by love and joy. It was an honor knowing you for a short time and thanks for taking my son and I up for a view of my neighborhood, thanks for buzzing my house. Thanks for being kind.
Best, Peter Pupping
peter@guitarsounds.com
