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Tina Marsh Obituary

Tina Marsh — bandleader, vocalist, composer, dreamer, founder of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra — was the creative beacon of the Austin jazz scene for the past 30 years. Her music and her life were defined by the breadth of her artistic curiosity and depth of her compassion. "Creativity poured out of her like the scent of honeysuckle. It came naturally," said Val Marsh, Tina's younger sister, during the last days of the singer's life. "She pushed the envelope, pushed us all to see the beauty around us, to experience the moment in a way that is deep and knowing and peaceful." Marsh died of cancer Tuesday at her Austin home, where she spent her last days surrounded by family and friends, collaborators and admirers, whose lives were touched by her fanciful spirit as well as the themes of peace and possibility, humanity and transcendence, expressed through her art. She was 55. As the leader of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, Marsh was the champion of eclectic big-band jazz that often ventured into the avant-garde. The band's most acclaimed recordings — such as "Migration" or "The Heaven Line" — were nowhere close to commercial successes. But what set the orchestra apart was its sense of daring, the social and spiritual undercurrents, and an emphasis on community. Marsh's creative interests were not confined to the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, however. She created, arranged and performed music for the choreographer Sally Jacques; recorded an intimate solo album of arias, ballads and standards; and staged an eclectic annual jazz series. She also conceived a popular multidenominational holiday program of music and culture called "Circle of Light" — which has been performed in Austin schools for more than 10 years and involves dozens of Austin musicians. As she demonstrated in her treatment of a song such as Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman," Marsh was in equal measure a "vocalist" and "singer." She could scat, but her wordless vocal lines were more sophisticated than that. Marsh used her voice as an instrument to convey literal effects — the coo of birds, the flutter of wings — and in other contexts approximate the figurative: turbulence, vastness or longing. Marsh was born in Annapolis, Md., and raised in a military family. After seeking her fortune in New York, Marsh "discovered" the beauty of jazz following her move to Austin in the late 1970s and never turned her gaze from it again. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Marsh; her sister, Val Marsh; and two sons, Clay and Zeke Zimmerman. "I'm no expert," Val Marsh said. "But when I sing and reach a pure note, I feel as close to God as I can get. And I know Tina was doing that all the time. It was like her constant prayer or chant or meditation. But beyond that, she had the genius and capacity to carry an audience with her."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Jun. 16 to Jun. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Tina Marsh

Not sure what to say?





Richard Faut

July 3, 2015

Something moved me to look back tonight. I lived in Austin 1979-1989. I took singing lessons from you for a few months in 1982 when I was 18 and in a local garage band(Windwalker).Our band never went far but I still think about and remember what you taught me. The practice scales with the vowels.How to breath.I can't help but remember everytime I sing.It is now July 3 2015.I just found out of your passing tonight.(shows how far from Austin I've gone).I would like to say thank you and I hope that we will sing together again someday in a new place.Oh what a song that will be! You were a blessing to me. Now...Blessings be to you.

Orry

September 9, 2012

I met her when I was in elementary school, I saw her often as I was friends with one of her sons. Her loss is a big one, she was always so bright and cheerful and was always helpful.

Tina at home 2007

July 29, 2012

Charlotte Gott

August 26, 2011

I remember Tina when she attended Lynbrook Elementary School. I knew her until she moved away sometime around our high school years. I walked home with her the day President Kennedy was assassinated to tell her mother. I remember her mother putting her hands to her face when Tina told her the news. Tina was a very mature, very pretty, smart, funny girl. Vivid memories of her. In 6th grade, she decided to educate us about the facts of life by passing a novel, open to a particular page, up and down the aisles behind the Webster's Dictionary. I thought of her over the years, and more than most girls I knew, I wondered what happened to Tina Marsh. I don't remember her being interested in voice although I vaguely remember her playing an instrument -- flute? clarinet? But I'm not surprised how she forged her own path. I am listening to her sing now -- what a treasure! All the best to her family. I remember her sister "Valerie" and her mother who had the 6th grade graduation party at her house, it seems, and her dad who was a ?Marine. So many years ago!

January 22, 2011

I was so sad to hear that Tina passed. I took vocal lessons from her in the 80's at her home. She was a joy to know and an awesome vocal coach. She even helped me during her time of silence. She taught me to listen.
Tina, you will be missed and may your spirit soar!
Sandy

bill averbach

June 16, 2010

Thinking of you.
BillA

Victor Engel

September 25, 2009

When I heard Suzi Stern announce this song last night, I thought maybe I should record it. With her permission, I'm posting it here:
Tango for Tina, by Suzi Stern.
http://vimeo.com/6749090

John Gretchen

September 11, 2009

I remember she had the most beautiful eyes.... God bless.....

September 1, 2009

Trumpets-Monclair,NJ 7/07 By Anne Marie Michael

July 28, 2009

Tina Marsh photo by Frank Curry 1999

July 12, 2009

Alex Coke and Tina Marsh (center, standing) at the Creative Opportunity Orchestra's inaugural show at the Paramount Theatre, 1980

July 11, 2009

Caroline Lyon Tippin

July 9, 2009

Tina, I think you are even more available to us now. Tai wan osh kan. I am singing it still. Chandra said it best: "There will never be another you." Fly away, in the morning...hallelujah bye and bye girl...

David Garber

July 9, 2009

To young ... to soon ... Tina you are in our thoughts always. Your music lives on. Truly a Tresjolie!

July 8, 2009

Hamilton Price

July 2, 2009

Tina- What a vibrant, thoughtful, and PASSIONATE woman! If only everyone followed their dreams like you...
It was such an honor to share the stage with you.

Sheri Goodman

July 1, 2009

When I moved to Austin from Houston in 1979, the first thing I would ask people was "Where's the jazz???" After coming from a scene where you could hear amazing live jazz every night of the week - and we did, I was beside myself. Someone pointed the way to The Buffalo Grill, thankfully one of few places that hosted live jazz along with McKendrick's Tree House. Then I discovered CO2 - it blew my mind! As with the Houston scene in those days, these were not just jazz players, they were extremely gifted technically and, like the avant garde scene in Houston yet distinctly their own, wildly creative. This group took it to the edge in a way that simply would not have happened without Tina commandeering the whole endeavor, prodding everyone along and elicitng a sum that would far surpass its parts. Here they were, the most amazing players, each taking turns playing each other's original contemporary pieces, with Miss Tina at the helm AND at the mic demonstrating unequivocabaly that a voice (HER voice) be regarded as an instrument as well. What impressed me most about this phenomenal collective of artists was that they were all men being led by this extraordinarily focused, strong and devoted lionness of a mother -- AND she had the most blessed chops I had ever heard. I watched with adulation from afar - how does she DO that??? She was not just the glue, she was the vision and mastermind, a true leader in every sense of the word. And her contributions didn't stop there, she kept going. To this day, I have not experienced a group like CO2 nor have I been quite as spellbound by the leadership and pure vocals of anyone like Tina. Because there is, nor will there ever be, another. Tina, you have been a gift. My heart goes out to Zeke, Clay and all of Tina's family and dear dear friends. Her memory truly will be for a blessing.

Rick Hernandez

June 30, 2009

June 20, 2009
I can't help but to think that God was calling home one of his most special and gifted children. We will miss you Tina, but we are all the better for having known you.

Stuart Heady

June 29, 2009

I can't believe I am reading all these comments about Tina. Surely it is not true. Back in 1979, I tried to help her by using InterArtWorks as an umbrella organization for a grant proposal that Tina had come up with. It was a musical performance using primarily percussion for students at the Texas State School for the Deaf. Apparently too out-of-the-box for the Texas Commission on the Arts! I stood with her in the funky office that we had, which functioned to funnel loads of water into the building through a skylight when it rained. I could feel her passion as she cried in my arms at the news. The joy later, at the first success of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra was a wonderful affirmation of a spirit that would not be denied. She was always ready to try anything. We did a music video in the old ACTV studio on 51st street with abstract images, which took a bunch of takes and her enthusiasm never flagged. She was just so beautiful on so many levels. I guess it is up to those of us left in this world to live up somehow to her legacy. I won't say goodbye. can't do it...

JF Cissel

June 27, 2009

To gaze into Tina's eyes was to see the depth of human kindness and compassion.

To hear her laugh was to understand the origins of music and language.

To feel her touch was to comprehend the power of the heart as a healing tool.

I've loved her from the first moment I met her in 1968, and will love her for eternity. We shall meet again.

Carolyn Collen-DuBose

June 25, 2009

My darling Tina who was special way back in eighth grade.
Look at all the incredible lives you've touched and inspired. I am so proud and so sad and unable to express
how surreal it feels that you are gone from this earth we live on. But I know that you would fiercely want us to continue to walk in the Light and continue to reach out and embrace each other. And I will, inspired by you, who will always be in my heart.

Dennis Dotson

June 24, 2009

Tina gave me so much...

She gave me her music, she allowed (and encouraged) me to give my music. She gave me her affection and warmth and respect and made me feel proud to have received them. She introduced me to many people who became lifelong friends, gave me the opportunity to play with some of my heroes, and, through our travels enabled me to see and play again with some old friends from long ago.

CO2 was her big baby and is a great band to be a part of. So much musicianship, so many creative voices, a huge collaboration of many different people, but always centered around her. Her vision, her spirit, her artistry, her energy, were expansive, encompassing everyone around and drawing us all in to the center, which was, of course, her. Only Tina could have created this band and it worked because we all wanted to be around Tina. Many, maybe most, of my best musical experiences over the past twenty years or more were with Tina and CO2.

I will miss her deeply, deeply.

Chandra

June 24, 2009

Tina!
I know you're "out there" somewhere, Honey! You may be gone "in form", but I (intellectually) know you are always with us; and you left such a legacy! Austin can't IMAGINE the holidays without Circle of Light; there are some of us who want to not only keep the legacy going, but EXPOUND upon it. I think you'd approve. At this point, you have no choice! But not to worry, we will do our best to make you proud! I know I will...
Love you ALWAYS. Will NEVER forget all you did for me.

Steve Schwelling

June 24, 2009

Every opportunity I had to perform and hang with Tina was a blessing beyond words. From the very beginnings in 1978 in that dilapidated house downtown to our last performance this past Good Friday. My earliest memory is of that ruin of a house, which she transformed into a place of pure joy and creativity with nothing but her spirit, a few pictures of Ornette clipped from a magazine, and the bathroom tub filled with potted plants to catch the rain that poured through the roof with each passing storm.

When I see pictures of her dating to that time I am filled with that youthful feeling of optimism that we all shared. That feeling - that anything and everything is possible - has often eluded me during the ensuing 30 years, but Tina never lost it. And every time I played with her I was reminded that anything and everything is possible. You are forever with me my dear friend.

Steve Schwelling

June 24, 2009

Every opportunity I had to perform and hang with Tina was a blessing beyond words. From the very beginnings in 1978 in that dilapidated house downtown to our last performance this past Good Friday. My earliest memory is of that ruin of a house, which she transformed into a place of pure joy and creativity with nothing but her spirit, a few pictures of Ornette clipped from a magazine, and the bathroom tub filled with potted plants to catch the rain that poured through the roof with each passing storm.

When I see pictures of her dating to that time I am filled with that youthful feeling of optimism that we all shared. That feeling - that anything and everything is possible - has often eluded me during the ensuing 30 years, but Tina never lost it. And every time I played with her I was reminded again that anything and everything is possible through music. You are forever with me my dear friend.

Laurel

June 24, 2009

Darling Bean, she laughed a lot. She loved to laugh. She said 'I believe in you' a lot. And she meant it. She romanced every thing in the world. Reallytrulyreally always wishing and working for peace and good will among us. There is no breath as sweet or light as true as hers that I know. She offered all the range of Feeling, depth and subtlety of Mind... and whether with a glance or an extravagance, her Soul and Voice made the meaning of life--and longing--clear...Ever Love. No standard punctuation seems right for words about Tina Marsh

June 23, 2009

Patti Polinard

June 23, 2009

Tina brought light to our world...it was extraordinary! It shined through her eyes, we witnessed it in her compassion, we saw it in her artistry and brilliance. Tina’s voice penetrated our hearts every time we heard her sing. And to know her, was truly to love her. May we all use her inspiration to better our world as we remember her always...

Rest now dear, Tina. You worked so hard and gave so much!

Love and Peace,

"They are all gone into the world of light!" July 11, 2004, Umlauf Garden Concert

Tanis Evans

June 23, 2009

Susanna Sharpe

June 23, 2009

Tina in my life ... singing with CO2 like one of the horns, improvising with abandon on made-up syllables, voice lessons where I cried and she helped me breathe, baby Zeke and young Clay, a French song done salsa style at my wedding, "Scarlet Ribbons" at my daughter's naming ceremony, advice on how to nurse the baby and nap at the same time, laughing over wine and food--such a wickedly funny woman, generous cards, notes, and compliments, phone calls giving or seeking support, sitting and listening at one of my gigs, countless shows and workshops with Circle of Light, where her words to the children--"open your heart and open your mind" always brought tears to my eyes, praying or singing with friends for Coutinho's life when he was so ill, voice soaring to "Deep River" with Alex and songs with Eddy and Terry, the magnificent show at Zach Scott, the "Don't Be Nice" video, trying to keep her own spirits up during hospital visits, hearing bad news, visits to the house, songs around the bed where she conducted us in black gloves even as she could not quite sing the songs anymore, surrounded by friends, family, and so much love that it surely must have burst out of the room, out of the house, and shone in all directions down the streets of South Austin.

Calling all angels ... another prophet of peace has joined those who went before.

Renzo "BALDO" Balducci

June 23, 2009

Una furtiva lacrima...
May you continue to bring joy, freedom, and fearlessnes to all beings in all times and all places.
Thanks Tina, you made my world a better place.

June 22, 2009

my heart hurts. i miss u & love u. and now i cant reconnect with u. cant talk with u. white light surround u. all love around u. follow the white light tina. move into the thousand petaled lotus. pure, white gardenias around u. pure awareness. no mind. big mind. merge with the warm, oneness of universal energy.
peace, love & blessings.
the jewel is in the lotus.
om mani padme hum

tom

jay rozen

June 22, 2009

Tina asked me to play with the CO2 while I was still a grad student at NTSU. That group was one of the main reasons I moved to Austin, and the only thing I really missed when I moved out east around 13 years later. In the meantime, we became good friends. She was very supportive of my composing, which I appreciated.
To say I will miss her is but a pale reflection of the emotion am feeling. I can't imagine the austin jazz scene without her.

Susie Sloan

June 22, 2009

What an angel. Shen will be so missed and loved.

Ruth Huber

June 22, 2009

I took voice lessons from Tina in the mid-80s. She was a supportive and inspirational teacher, and I'll never forget her. One of my fondest memories is of her singing "Scarlet Ribbons" at one of the last musical events I attended in Austin before moving to California. Her tender, courageous and joyful voice will live on.

daniel david

June 22, 2009

Great talent - we'll miss you!!

Tanis Evans

June 22, 2009

When I was teaching art at Becker Elementary School, I had the great good fortune of collaborating with Tina, brilliant musican, teacher and loving friend. Over a ten year period we worked (seemed more like play) on a variety of projects For me, the highlight still remains a 3 day experiment with students creating compositions, using wet, fluid watercolors, while their young hearts and minds merged with the live sounds from Tina's jazz quartet. Right there, in the art studio, improv was begotton, not made. The visual and auditory compositions revealed an astonishingly pure spirit had been accessed and freed to express, thanks to Tina, the great facilitator. All of us in that time and space just "gave it up" to Love, the essence of all things.

May you move gently Into the unfathomable Life.

Love,

Travis Cooper

June 22, 2009

The Yznagas and Coopers love you Tina. Thank you for bringing such warmth and kindness into our lives.

Creative Opportunity Orchestra

June 22, 2009

debora White

June 22, 2009

More than music and more than art she was a human of extraordinary light. Blessings to her family, please know that she touched so many and she will never be forgotten.

niles fuller

June 22, 2009

Someone so special can never be forgotten and although I did not know her well, for the time I did know her was pure joy. Rest in Peace.

Mandy Mercier

June 22, 2009

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Tina Marsh. She was one of the first singers I came to know about when I moved to Austin in 1979; we were always aware of eacah other despite being in different musical "scenes" and I always had the utmost respect for, and interest in, her work, both her own gigs and those with our mutual friend, Sallie Jacques, and her work with Creative Opportunity Orchestra. I've always held her in the highest regard and felt great respect and admiration for her and her work, and her lovely spirit. This is a sad time for all of us in the Austin musical family; but I believe as her sister said so eloquently that Tina's singing was truly her prayer and connection to the Divine, which is now in perfection. Most sincere condolences and respect to Tina's family and close friends.

Alex Coke & Tina Marsh with Steve Field & Jefferson Voorhees at the Outpost Performace Space

June 22, 2009

Robert Morgan

June 21, 2009

I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I was aware that Tina had been battling cancer for some time, but, living in Houston, had not heard an update for some time. Regardless, it's always a shock when a special person's passing becomes a reality as opposed to possibility.
I knew her better musically than personally, but, musically *and* personally, I knew she was treasured by her many friends, colleagues, and followers.
Are there any suggestions for memorial contributions?
R. I. P.
Bob Morgan

Joy Ruth

June 21, 2009

Tina, you will be sorely missed. I admired you since the 70's when we first met at Womenspace. You were friendly, funny, down-to-earth and so warm. The lives of many were richer because you were briefly among us. Thank you for the precious memories of your voice, your smile, your spirit.
My deepest sympathy to all who love you.

Judy Taylor

June 21, 2009

Dearest Tina, Zeke, and Clay,
Never have I met anyone so filled with light and love.
"Circle of Light" had it's beginnings at Becker Elementary School when I was principal there. Tina was artist in residence for many years and blessed our students with her love and talent. She was "too good for this world" , but aren't we all happy that she was loaned to us for a while?
She loved dearly and deeply. Our whole family loved her and in fact, she played at the weddings of our two daughters, Kate & Lena- and one of our sons, Greg Lusk!
Good-bye my precious friend....your light will only grow brighter.
Love,
Judy Taylor, Fredericksburg, Texas

Bill Bernardi

June 21, 2009

I first met Tina back in the mid-80's when I was in a big band. Usually singers don't really grab me, but when Tina sang that first note I took notice immediately, saying to myself "Man, this girl can sing!" I tried to make a lot of the CO2 gigs whenever I could and would stop and say 'hi' to Tina afterwards, and she always had a smile. I hadn't seen her in recent years and am obviously saddened by her passing. Austin was a better place because of her work. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

John Mills

June 21, 2009

"Above everything else, Tina's thing ... was a spontaneous vocal creation that was intensely emotional and expressive and unique to Tina. ... For singers who scat in the Ella Fitzgerald tradition, you say, 'Here are the chord changes, here is the bridge.' But the nature of the avant-garde is that you don't have those landmarks, you don't have that structure. You generate structure as you go! It's almost like going into a chasm: 'Are you going to fly, or not?'

"Tina would fly. She had that vocal-emotional-musical-theatrical power to generate something in that moment. But beyond what she was capable of musically, Tina was purpose and drive and enthusiasm and commitment. ... an unswerving commitment that came from her belief in the music itself. Most people would have given up, frankly, in terms of pursuing that vision of the music. While some people might have said, 'Oh, that's over the audience's head' or 'People aren't ready for that,' Tina would charge on — and raise the ante."

Tina Marsh, Austin Jazz Vocalist 1996 By Mark Allred

June 21, 2009

John, Sally & Nick Bartkowiak

June 21, 2009

So very sad to hear today of Tina's death. Sally and I, and my son Nicholas, who still lives in Austin, came to know Tina and her family very well between 1989 and 2001 when I was employed in Austin. We attended many outdoor performances of CO2 and will always remember her feisty personality and her unique and beautiful voice. You will always be in our thoughts.

Papa Diallo

June 21, 2009

May you rest in Peace Tina. Three years ago, I had the unique chance to attend the Circle of Light performance at UT elementary school where my son is a student. Your artistic and creative talents were unparalleled. Thank you for brightening Christmas for the last three years.

Bob Rodriguez

June 21, 2009

"Tina brought a whole approach with her group that it was to be a cooperative composing group. People would bring in their own pieces; she gave everyone a sense of being a part of the process. ... She really gave a lot of people a chance to write for a larger ensemble they never would have had before. She probably gave some people their only chance to play as loose and free, and to express themselves in music.
"Usually, when you have someone in charge of a large ensemble like this, the (bandleader) is the only one who writes. It's her group, her show. But not Tina. She wants you to write. 'Do you write?' she'd say. "If you do, please bring it in. Let's play it." Guys were flipped out!
"There were times when I told her: This is going to be hard. The record people, the record labels, they like things defined in a word or two. They want it to be your band, your arrangements. This whole thing of 'being free' and 'having everyone try' doesn't work in terms of marketing and PR. (But) she played by her rules, her concept — which is the ultimate for an artist.
"You can't hear the band to get the whole idea about the Creative Opportunity Orchestra. You have to really see it — you have to see Tina go through all the gestures of the piece. You know how Miles Davis talked about when a jazz musician, after he finishes playing a solo, he puts his head down and looks at his shoes? And how Miles wanted a different trip than that? Tina wanted the entire band — and you could see it in her gestures and her looks — to be involved in the story being told.
"When we worked on a new piece, Tina would always talk to me about words, about language, and what they felt like. She could really pull you into that piece because she felt each word of the piece. Each lyric was important to her. Sometimes, she'd ask me to rearrange a standard. And I'd say, 'That corny old tune?' But I'd say OK, as a favor, I'll do it. I'm thinking of the tune, "Strangers in Paradise." And all of a sudden, Tina would turn it into something amazing. I never would have done it. I never would have thought of it."

June 21, 2009

June 21, 2009

Madeleine Sosin

June 20, 2009

Sweet Tina, I can hear your gorgeous tones right now and feel your soul of creative expression that knows no bounds. Always inspirational and vast in vision, and with the fierceness necessary to persevere. To create. To give. To turn on...
You made and shared so much beauty that continues to live and vibrate here in so many hearts, minds and ears.

Abel and I send our light, love and respect to you always, with thanks for the times we had with you playing, teaching, laughing and listening.

We send our deepest condolences to your family, dear friends and collaborators. What a huge loss. May her presence within you give you comfort, as you also comfort each other.

Madeleine Sosin & Abel Rocha
Correo Aereo

Maryann Price

June 20, 2009

June 20, 2009
Tina Marsh's vocals and the leadership of CO2 through thick and thin are absolutely inspirational.

One of my faves was Tina's partnership with Alex Coke to create and perform the "live, original soundtrack" to the silent film "Nanuck of the North". WOW!

Maryann Price

Phil

June 20, 2009

The voice of Tina Marsh could guide you to your own soul. May her singing forever waken our surprised hearts.

Emily Gribnau

June 20, 2009

As I was growing up I remember being just showered in love and kisses from my Aunt Tina. One of my favorite memories of Tina is that you always knew when she was around because the house was full of beautiful music. I love you Tina, and I will miss you.

Kem Ward

June 20, 2009

Whenever I hugged Tina, she gave off that wonderful rosewater scent, and I just wanted to linger and drink her in - not just the scent, but her soul and kindness. I love you and will miss you, Tina.

Debbie Hamerly

June 20, 2009

We enjoyed having Tina at St. Elmo Elementary for several years for the Circle of Light workshops and uplifting culminating musical performance. Our lives were enriched by the experience. Tina's life was the embodiment of loving kindness. We were fortunate that our lives were blessed by her beautiful music. She will be surely missed.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends. May God bless you with comfort and peace.

Kristen "Girl Who Sees The Stars"

June 20, 2009

Tina was my mentor, friend, and teacher when I was in elementary school at Parkside Elementary Community School. I knew her to the end. She was and is (Tina, your soul, your essence, you shine on!) one of the most wonderful people ever. Ever.

June 19, 2009

June 19, 2009

Chris Searles

June 19, 2009

Miss you, Tina.

Jennifer Thompson Miller

June 19, 2009

I worked with Tina through Women & Their Work in the early 1980s. I was always so impressed by her beauty, talent, inspiration, & integrity. Much love & Light to her & to her family.
Jennifer Thompson Miller

P.G. Moreno

June 19, 2009

Tina’s life and work have been an inspiration to me on many levels. Moving to Austin in the early 90s and seeing the CO2 and the other concerts she helped organize had a profound effect on me. Those CO2 concerts at Waterloo Ice House and at the Clarksville Jazz Festival really opened my eyes and deepened my appreciation for independent creative music. I was inspired to start my own concert presenting organization, Epistrophy Arts. Over the course of 11 years, Tina was always very supportive, generously taking time to come to my concerts and giving me words of encouragement. Tina pursued her own creative vision with incredible passion and strength. I will always marvel at the way she handled all of the frustration and challenges that come with this kind of pursuit with such dignity, grace and integrity. I offer my deepest condolences to Tina’s family and her many close friends and fellow musicians especially Adam, Alex and Mary. We have lost such an incredible force in our community.

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Allan Chase

June 19, 2009

I only knew Tina when we were students together for a few weeks in summer 1979 at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, NY, but I followed her work through mutual friends, CDs, articles and interviews. She was a wonderful musician and a hero of keeping an important creative music scene alive and connected. My sympathy to her family and friends, and gratitude to her for her work.

James Retherford

June 19, 2009

A personal reflection on the passing of an extraordinary woman …

I worked with Tina Marsh as graphic designer for the Creative Opportunity Orchestra from the beginning in 1980 for the next dozen years or so. The pay wasn't good, but the overall artistic rewards were priceless.

Tina's transcendent musicianship and vocality never failed to astonish me. How could a voice emerging from a place so deep and mysterious belong to a mere mortal? I often could not help but wonder whether -- like Sun Ra, another musical explorer who visited and left this planet before her – she had come from another world, another plane of aural reality.

Tina's message of peace, love, and community belies a career fraught with struggle, setbacks, and disappointments, both professionally and personally. As I realized after a recent candid conversation with Tina's longtime friend and collaborator Alex Coke, a dedicated jazz artist in Austin is always about one illness or a couple cancelled gigs from homelessness. Tina's own hardships seemed to give her musical voice more urgency, more authenticity.

That voice is irreplaceable, but her work and her indomitable spirit can and must prevail.

Peace, love, and community.

darcy

June 19, 2009

Tina I miss you and I know that heaven has one more angel now, and we have one less. Sing loudly, and I'll listen closely.

June 19, 2009

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The first time I heard Tina was the Sept 11, 2007 performance of Iraqnophobia. I was transported. I saw many performances since then and was always mezmorized. My thoughts when I listen to her was that art heals in ways that nothing else can. Somehow I know she will continue to provide comfort and inspiration.

Peter Megaw

June 18, 2009

Music heaven is about to get a LOT more interesting...talk about a creative opportunity!

Rebecca Kanady

June 18, 2009

I am saddened to hear of Tina's passing. She was truly unique and amazing and touched many lives through her artistic abilities and spirit. She will be missed but fondly remembered.
May you each be comforted by love and light in this difficult time.

June 18, 2009

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Anne Marie Michael

June 18, 2009

She will be missed. She brought us all to the circle of Light!

leticia rodriguez

June 18, 2009

You will be missed by many. Your courage and artistic endeavors will continue to be an inspiration for all of us.

June 18, 2009

Tina was a true musical inspiration.

Scott and Jennifer Sherwood

tom s

June 18, 2009

i took a few lessons from tina about 15 years ago. she was warm, genuine, charming. she had the voice of an angel. now she is with the angels. i had a crush on her too. peace and blessing tina.
tom

H

June 18, 2009

I saw Tina perform with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow in Austin in 1990 - excellent show. Many of us will miss Tina.

theresa kwilosz

June 17, 2009

Tina was a beacon of light to all who were graced by her extraordinary talent, creativity, deep generosity, genuine intention and lust for life and art. She was always brilliant, sparkling and twinkling to the very end...forever inspiring. She was a master of collaboration and union to create the most profound effect in any realm. The love and caring of her many friends and her wonderful family are a testament to the way she always seemed to bring out the best in those around her. Her spirit lives on in the exceptional music and art of her colleagues and admirers, the dedication of exemplary teachers and dedicated mothers, and all those who truly strive to make the world a better place. A beautiful life, well lived. We miss her so much.

Rita

June 17, 2009

You are forever.

Mia Carter

June 17, 2009

Tina Marsh was an enormously generous and talented artist and a committed and visionary community-creator. My profound condolences to all of the artists who worked and played with Tina; very special regards and sympathies to Zeke and Clay and the rest of Tina's extended family. Tina's light lives and her voice will remain a part of anyone who heard her grace and reinvent a song. You will be dearly missed. Your neighbor and friend, Mia.

Alex Bohrer

June 17, 2009

Tina was an extremely warm and supportive soul. As a full time jazz piano teacher myself, I found her to be an amazing vocal instructor whom I had the privilege of taking a few lessons with. The world was by far a better place with her in it but her powerful spirit shall remain a strong influence regardless. Thanks Tina

Alex

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