Gerald F. "Jerry" Lavene

Hi David..., This is Lyle Glidden from Vermont.
I was in the house band at Brodi's during that time period and also loved Jerry !
Is there a possibility I might be able to beg some of the live CDs that you are making ? It would mean a lot to me !
Jerry was amazing right to the end...I heard him play many times at the evening service at the Trinity Episcopal church in Plattsburgh ! It was like being in heaven hearing him play Bach etc. !!!
My mailing address is : P. O....

I just googled Jerry to find him, as we hadn't spoken in several years, and was shocked to find the news that he had passed. I knew Jerry very well in the late 70's when my band (Spunk) from Montreal visited Plattsburgh often. Jerry used to play with us a lot, and he almost became a full-time member before the group broke up. We often hung out until the wee hours discussing Jerry's many musical ideas. I have recently been converting old live tapes to digital, and fell in love with Jerry's...

Dear Lavene Family,
I had the great pleasure of meeting all of you when visiting Plattsburgh/Burlington in the late 70s when Jerry played with "The Citizen's Band". When in the Pittsburgh area, he shared Thanksgiving with my family, as he hated to be alone when on the road. Jerry played with "Biddie & Co." back then. Sometimes they played at a restaurant called Steak and Ale, which he called Hoof and Mouth. What a great sense of humor and a tremendously kind, talented spirit. I treasure...

Having had the pleasure of performing with Jerry several times, I will say his personality and love for music was unmatched by any other. I can recall fond memories of him in my cheap apartment at the time - happily writing chord changes and music ideas to ponder. Some of my fondest memories include receiving genuine compliments on my drumming - which meant a lot coming from such an experienced and well versed artist.

I am so sad to hear the news about Jerry.... the life he brought to his music was truly stunning and he never ceased to amaze me.... I am so sorry for all his friends especially Shelley... my thought go out to you.

I just learned today of Jerry's death. We here on Willsboro Point considered it to be a great pleasure and privilege to listen to Jerry play on those long summer evenings at the Upper Deck. He was truly gifted, and I will always hear his music wafting across the bay as the sun sets.

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

I was fortunate enough to study with Jerry many years ago when I was a student at SUNY. He was simply one of the finest musicians I have ever seen, and was a wonderfully funny and warm person as well.