As many of you know, T Lavitz, my friend and former bandmate, died unexpectedly on Oct. 7 2010. I have been thinking a lot about T since then, running through experiences of so many times and conversations in my mind as people do about others, but with both a disbelief and poignancy that there won’t be any more.
Rod Morgenstein told be about a tribute that Derek Sherinian was putting together to T that will be published in Keyboard magazine that we could possibly contribute to. I found it very difficult to put my thoughts into words. I didn’t want to simplify T, or my relationship to him. But I really wanted to say something, so this is what I wrote:
“I met T at a small bar near Miami over 30 years ago. Rod had heard him at the University of Miami and recommended him as a possibility for the band, so we went and heard him play. It was mainly Miami ‘jazz club’ music of the day, but he shined through it. He sounded great, and was so enthusiastic and something just felt really right about him being in the band even from that first night.
We all became close friends over the years sharing so many experiences together as bands do, but T and I especially spent a lot of time together back then. We were both very social and liked meeting new people and just exploring the world and finding interesting situations. I’m sure it has been said by many, but T was someone who could just light people up, they would be very glad to see him and be around him. I include myself in that group, and even years after the band broke up and I would see him with Jazz is Dead or the re-formed Dregs, it was just fun and natural, as if we simply picked up from the last moment.
But I want to go back and point out how I felt when I heard a couple of parts on the first album that he played with the band on “Dregs of the Earth”. The really short organ solo on “Twigg’s Approved” just sent me into a spin and still does with its perfect touch and note choices. There was so much feel beneath his hands on an organ. Of course, the other tune was “I’m Freaking out”. That was really a feature for T and again, the first time I heard it, it just killed (and still does). It really captures him as a musician. There is a section in the middle with the electric piano sound which I loved hearing and playing at the same time because it felt like it was almost just him and me for that whole section. I felt proud of him and proud to be in a band with him. His blend of jazz and rock organ and everything else simply has a power and brightness and happiness to it that just comes out through the notes. From then there were many, many notes played and heard and life stories I will value forever. There is something in every song. It is weird, even though I haven’t spent nearly enough time with T in the last number of years, his untimely death has ripped a part of the past out of the present and it leaves a huge hole. I’ll always see and feel T the man in my mind, by hearing the music we still have from him.”
Here is an obituary with some sweet comments about T in the guestbook link. A friend has also created a Facebook group, both of which are worth checking out. I have also found lots of great videos of T on YouTube. And Rod Morgenstein posted the beautiful eulogy he gave at T’s memorial service.
I think all these things are good for us…
Comments
I booked the Dixie Dregs at my college in 1980 (Andy, you might remember it-Scoots had a heart problem and paramedics came to help him backstage). Can’t believe I was able to get my favorite band. Met all the guys several times–Andy, you were always the front man to talk with the fans. Took T and Alan to Birmingham airport after the show and we burnt a bud (Alan declined) on the way. He was a very nice guy to someone who was clearly in awe of all of what was the phenomenal Dregs. Was shocked to hear of T’s passing. You, Steve, Rod, Alan and T formed the 2nd most important musical influence on me. Sorry, the Beatles are 1st, but you are in good company. Best to you and rest in peace T.
I am an avid music fan and collector. I have a huge cd collection and have reserved two cabinets for my absolute favorite music: Allman Bros, Springsteen, Dead, Kansas, Dixie Dregs, (and related bands) although I followed each of your solo careers my absolute favorite Keyboard Player of all time is T Lavitz. If it had T. on it, I bought it.(Although Andy I admit somehow I missed Rama 1). Today I hopped online to see what T has released lately not knowing he had died. I’m shocked and saddened. I just didn’t know. Pardon the pun but he was my “unsung hero.” All of the Dregs albums were an experience and changed how I listened to and approached music. The Dixie Dregs were unparralled. Buying the solo albums was a natural extension. After the band broke up many of my fiends became devout Steve Morse followers. although I enjoy Steve too, T.’s music just moved me like no other.
As a group you influenced my musical Life. T. I will miss you. sitting here listening to The Bad Habitz Cd I realize you have become immortal. You will live on in your music. I thank you for that gift.
I didn’t know. And now I am shocked. As a low-level, passionate musician, when I first walked into the Silver Dollar Saloon bar on LI in 1978 to hear you guys play, until that life changing moment, I didn’t know instruments and music could be played to that level. When contemplating career directions in college, I nearly diverted to Miami… but didn’t. Sure, there are other musicians with chops, but the Dixie Dregs – Steve, Rod, Andy, Alan, and T – had the intersection of personality, playing ability, composistion, and a connection to each other, and therefore a connection to me, and for that I am grateful, thankful, and will miss the opportunity to see T play again. I too got the Dixie Dregs to come play at my college. We actually met the night before in the lobby of another college where the Dregs were supposed to be playing, but Twiggs’ had his accident that day and it was the next night at my college that the unnamed song, “Twigg’s Approved” got named. I’ll never forget that. A few years ago I saw a sign on the local music store for piano/keyboard lessons with T. Would have been cool, but as a drummer I didn’t want to waste his time 
. In hindsight, it would have been good to know him more. I love reading all the good things the rest of the music world has to say about T – he will be missed. A very impactful person and musician even to those who only knew him from an audience perspective. He should know how impactful he was, and is.
Sorry to hear about T Andy. Several of us LRY’er from the UU Church on Walton Way Augusta were chatting and you brother Mike’s name came up and I googled you to find out for them what Mike was up to and found this. Loved T and his music too. He was a real find.
I loved the Dregs / T. Lavitz and all the Music that came from the Dregs. Saw you the first time at U of Miami Cafeteria (1979?) RIP T Lavitz. Thanks Andy West and all Dregs band mates and support.
Oliver
I am still on shock. T was a big influence on my lead scales. Such a loss in the world of music. I go back and listen to all of his work, and still something will hit me. Andy thanks for posting this.