Jeff Coffin plays “Music of Necessity”

This summer at the Rothbury Festival in Rothbury Mi. everyone got startling news LeRoi Moore an original member and saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band had been in an ATV accident just a few days before the show and that Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones was going to sit in for him temporarily. 

Being in the media tent at the moment Jeff came in, I got about 4 minuets with him. I learned more about humility, kindness, respect and the love of an instrument in those 4 minuets than I have learned in a very long time. 

Jeff is a Grammy winning saxophone player, with musical influences ranging from the obvious Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman to Radiohead and Allan Lomax (who was better known as a recording artist rather than musician).  Listening to Jeff talk about music is almost as enjoyable as listening to his music. One of the highlights of Rothbury for me was hearing Jeff say “I play music of necessity, stuff that needs to be played”.  Coffin’s talent and skill is unmatched, he takes chances and plays in styles and combinations that other people don’t. His mix of “New Orleans second line, African music, Indian Ragas, folk songs, Alan Lomax field recordings, jazz, or funk," is distinguishable to anyone who knows what a saxophone sounds like. 

On August 19 2008 just 7 weeks after this interview we lost our friend LeRoi Moore due to complications from the accident. He was 46 years old. His band mates, his family, his fans and his music all miss him dearly. Our hearts and prayers are with those who were close to LeRoi.  A fund has been created in honor of LeRoi in support of charities that reflect both his spirit and passion. 

Jeff finished the DMB 2008 tour and has since announced that he accepted a permanent place with the band. Best of Luck Jeff…

Here is a recording of our conversation.