Michael Anthony Reilly

1949 - 2017

Michael Anthony Reilly

June 30, 1949 - May 26, 2017

"What a Wonderful World"….
Mike Reilly was an original – and he stayed true to his quirky character until the day he died. An entertainer, Mike lived for music, delighting his audiences with his charisma, voice and talents on cornet, trumpet and acoustic and electric guitar. Sophisticated, world traveler, voracious reader and rare book collector, "Reil" was a scintillating conversationalist. A passionate musical educator, he collected rare records for decades and had a stunning collection of CD's, from vintage to modern blues, country, jazz, swing and classical. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Bill and Audrey Reilly, Mike began studying cornet in the 5th grade. He had a talent for making lifelong friendships which lasted throughout his life.

Mike had a long and varied career a band member and front man, from a Boston rock band called "Agit Pop" to Southeast Asia to Europe. For 31 years in the Bay Area, Mike was the core of the "The Spirit of '29 Traditional Jazz Band", playing hot old time jazz. His signature was his tribute to Louis Armstrong on cornet and in song. Often seen on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley they played at countless festivals, proms, weddings, parties and countless jam sessions, including several years as house band for the Giants. In 1996, Mike and the Spirit of '29 traveled to South Korea for a five month gig at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. In Seoul, Mike met and married Katja Reilly. He moved to Germany where he lived for more than a decade. His musical career was at its apex in those years, playing all over Europe in jazz festivals and clubs. A highlight was performing with jazz great Jimmy Witherspoon and legendary Blues guitarist Matt "Guitar" Murphy. He later returned to the Bay Area to play with his longtime '29 band and musical partner Elliot Kenin.

Mike leaves behind his many friends, two sisters, Tracy Reilly Kelly (Clancy) and Deirdre Dougherty, three nieces and nephews, Muire (Michael Kupperman) Dougherty, Brendan (Christina) Kelly and Liam (Jamie) Kelly. He leaves his musical instruments to six grand nephews and nieces, to continue on his legacy.
A Celebration of Life/ New Orleans Jazz Funeral will be from 2-6pm on July 16th, in Berkeley. Please contact lornak@sonic.net for directions.