Just yesterday, LeRoi Moore (1961-2008), saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band passed unexpectedly. He was involved in an ATV accident in June, yet he had appeared to be convalescing. This is quite a blow.
Moore had a difficult job, being a jazz musician in a rock band. Not surprisingly, this twist was a big part of the band's success-- the sweetly funky sax blasts carried the main riff of nearly every early DMB hit, from "Ants Marching" to "Too Much" to "Tripping Billies". And it was the consistent featuring of saxophone (as well as Boyd Tinsley's violin) that set DMB apart on the mainstream radio and allowed them a shot at success. It was also his and other members' jazz and classical roots that lent to their respectable ability to jam, resulting in their reputation as a remarkable live band. Moore also is credited with arranging most of Matthews' songs, an indispensable factor in their appeal. Finally, as though it needed to be mentioned, Moore was simply a great player. He deftly managed the spectrum of saxophones, from soprano to bass, and supplemented this with sprightly flute and whistle passages.
Without question, LeRoi Moore was a talented musician and an integral part of Dave Matthews Band. May the Lord grant the repose of his soul. He will be missed here on earth.
Though not a fan of DMB, he was a hell of a player, right on