[Harp-L] RIP Gary Primich

[Michael Rubin <rubinmichael@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am basing this email on a call from an Austin drummer friend of mine.  He had no information on how or why Gary passed.
   
  Just two days ago Gary and I were talking.  He was the harp player for The Mannish Boys before his solo career and he had copies on the two albums.  He was going to meet me last Thursday to hand them to me.  He flaked, we talked on Saturday, did not set up another handoff date but suggested this week.  He seemed happy and friendly.  
   
  In 1993 I decided to move to Austin Texas.  A harp playing friend of mine put on the first couple of Primich records and said to look for Gary.  I could tell he was a great player.  I saw him within my first month of moving to Austin and he was great.  I could tell he was just going to get better and I remember telling him that he would become one of the best of his generation.  He proceeded to do just that.
   
  Gary put out multiple solo albums.  He toured the world, doing all of his own booking and bandleading.  He taught at multiple conventions and I took lessons from him at Elkins, Kerrville, SPAH and privately.  I consistently told people that Gary was the strongest player in Austin, save for James Cotton who either lives in Austin or nearby Bastrop.
   
  Although he struggled with the pitfalls of the road, he recently cleaned up and told me that he had found God.  There was definitely a brighter, happier Gary in the last couple of years.
   
  Many times I would see Gary live and marvel at his ideas, tone, phrasing and overall professionalism.  He was a musician's musician, and I salute him.
   
  Michael Rubin
  Michaelrubinharmonica.com