John Mast

I first met John in 1960, and played bass with him and variously Don Hales, Jim Lee, Jim Bishop, Jim Gottron and others at Rusty's (the old Dorr St store). I moved to Southern California in 1972, and except for sporadic visits back to Toledo, pretty much lost contact with John. I basically learned to play with John - along with a few others. R.I.P., old pal.

I remember John playing at Rusty's. I was still in High School, He played beautifully . He encouraged me when I started playing drums at Rusty's.

This hits harder than I expected. Some people stay with you long after a brief association--that was John. Playing bass with him at Rusty's '79-'80, he demanded your best, and expected nothing less of himself. I waited too long to say this--thanks, John.

As a young Podiatrist/avocational drummer in Sylvania, I was honored by John to be invited to play some gigs with his Blues Band at the old Swing Into Spring concerts in Perrysburg, and even got to "go on the road" to play a wedding reception in East Lansing,Michigan.In my retirement I have the privilege to play in a couple of groups in Naples, Fla. with the lady pianist who originated the part of the "Kit Kat" player in "Cabaret" on Broadway. John is still the best piano player I ever was...

I first heard John at the old Rusty's in 1968. I was 17. It was my first jazz club experience & it was unforgettable. John & I worked at the Musicians Union together. He was Pres. & I was Sec'y Treas. - he inspired us to (re)start Swing Into Spring in Toledo - an event that went on for years.
An incredible player of Jazz (Midnight Sun), Pop (Evergreen!) and Classics (Slaughter on 10th Avenue)
An inspiration -- God Rest his Soul

I played bass with John for perhaps a month at Fifi's, a few times at Rusty's and a handful of casual dates after that. His taste in Music was impeccable and I am grateful to have had an opportunity to work with him and learn from him.

I never personally met John Mast but so many friends knew John and always praised him as a musician and person. Only last month, on a long distance phone conversation with one of John's longtime friends, Jim Lykins, Jim spun out a couple interesting anecdotes about John and his life. I am a huge jazz fan and heard his name often. God bless!