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Laurence Mazel Obituary
He was in born in Cambridge, Mass., on Nov. 1, 1948. He lived in Boston, Lawrence and Andover, Mass.
During his high school years he was Northeast Regional tennis champion for New England, and studied Mandarin Chinese through a State Department intensive language course, pursuits which he maintained throughout his life.
He attended University of Massachusetts at Amherst, then Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he studied and played music with Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Lyons and Andrew Cyrille.
In the early 1970s, he moved to New York City where he began his music career as a trumpet player and composer and adopted his stage name, Raphe Malik. He played in concert with and recorded with Jimmy Lyons, Syd Smart, William Parker and Cecil Taylor.
During the 1970s and 1980s, he traveled extensively and was recognized as an icon in avant garde music by his fellow musicians and audiences alike.
He had the gift to traverse many different musical styles and genres, and his strength and endurance on the bandstand were unmistakably his own.
During the late 1980s, Mr. Mazel moved back to Boston and maintained himself setting ceramic tile, marble and granite, as well as playing concerts and recording CDs with his group, the Raphe Malik Quintet.
In 1992, he married Marguerite Serkin, and moved to Southern Vermont. He constructed their family home while teaching music at Bennington College, performing and recording in a wide spectrum of musical genres.
As his health declined, he continued to document his music and play live, and traveled as his health permitted.
Mr. Mazel was known by his friends and family as a colorful storyteller with an outlandish sense of humor. He made friends everywhere he went, and is beloved by many.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years; a daughter, Lena Mazel of Guilford; two son, Miles Mazel of Guilford; and a sister Marjorie Hecht of Leesburg, Va.
Donations in Mr. Mazel's memory made be made to the Musician's Emergency Fund in New York or Morningside Shelter in Brattleboro.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurence Mazel
Sponsored by anonymous.
Anthony Owens
May 17, 2021
Laurence will always rest in my heart of hearts, a great friend that I will always remember, my wife and I spent sometime together with Margie this past two weeks. We spoke much this pass week sharing our experiences with Laurence and the kids which we keep in touch.
The Spearmans
March 22, 2006
Hey Raphe! Good journey to join your musical family in the sky! We all miss you down here. I'll always remember Jazz Cats & Crazy Girls, dedicated to you.
Love to Margie, Lena, Myles, and all other family and loved ones.
Peace.
Gregg Mazel
March 22, 2006
Dear Cousin,
Sun Ra said "Space is the place." I definitely agree. You will take us with you on the train that goes to heaven. We will all meet you there. I feel the people of the world are now passing through a very crucial time. I pray for the triumph of good over evil, recognising that it is possible in our lifetime to transform all negative energies into positive energies through the word, music, dance and art. Man must keep inventing himself. May peace be with all of us on our way.
Love,
-Cousin Gregg
Greg Stamp
March 17, 2006
I miss you, brother. I am greatfull for our friendship and for having told you recently how much it has meant to me. May you find your peace.
Abdul LeBlanc
March 15, 2006
My Godfather and one of the best links to my past through his wonderful way of telling stories. An Incredible musician and insiration to my father Tony Owens. Blew my mind and that of my friends when he covered John Coltranes' Ascentions at the Great American Music hall (SF). He will be missed but never forgotten.
Abdul LeBlanc
Andrea Hughes
March 13, 2006
I'm so sorry to hear about my friend Larry I will miss him My heartfelt sympathy to Margie and the children. I'm glad I got to see him a few weeks ago I really didn't expect it to be the last time. My thoughts are with his family and friends
Ras Moshe
March 12, 2006
All the best to Lena,Miles and Margie. I know you all will make it through.
I used to see him with Cecil Taylor back in the early 80's when i was younger,as well as other different musical situations. I especially remember him with the great Jimmy Lyons.
It was an honor to create music with him myself later on down the road.
The spirit lives.
Right on!
Erik Lawrence
March 12, 2006
I met Raphe soon after moving to VT. He always warmly regarded me as a creative musician and we always had inspiring and meaningful conversations. Though I'll miss him I know his presence will always be here as we'll all continue to keep the flame burning always. Peaceful and safe journeys to a deep and creative human being. Peace to all who loved him.
Melissa Peters
March 10, 2006
To The Family of Laurence Mazel,
Although we have never met, I've seen you at The Guilford Central School. I just wanted to send my condolences.
bobby zankel
March 10, 2006
raphe/larry was a very deep person and he inspired me in many ways-- he will be missed--my deepest sympathy and strong prayer go to miles lena and margeret- iam sorry we never got to meet together
Peter LoIacono
March 9, 2006
I am very saddened by Larry's passing. He was a person of amazing drive, creativity, and substance. Multi-talented, perspicacious, and an absorber of knowledge in countless areas, he channelled his eclectic life experience into the jazz trumpet's uncharted territory. He will be greatly missed.
Mike Resil
March 9, 2006
I am so sorry and saddend by the passing of Raphe.He was truly a
great artist and beautiful person.
I have all his recordings and I first saw him in Ann Arbor,Mi. with
Cecil Taylor during the late 70's.
The last time I saw him was in Detroit with Sabir Mateen in Dec. 2004. We had a fantastic conversation after the concert and he was in great spirits. I will
miss his playing immensely BUT HIS
MUSIC WILL LIVE ON FOREVER!
BEST WISHES AND PEACE,
MIKE RESIL
Wilmer Wise
March 9, 2006
Remember that Gabriel gets to solo first!
Wilmer
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