I recently read in JSO's JazzScene of the death of one of the most interesting characters I've ever known. It really wasn't unexpected as when I knew him in Portland 25 years ago he  could have been the dictionary definition of risk taker. The thing is, I thought his lifestyle would do him in and I'd never hear about it. But now at least I get to reminisce ...

Don Mumford was above all a drummer of the first order. He blistered his way with characteristic intensity through countless styles and groups, loving every minute of it! But the wiry sensual man was also a talker and an idea guy with a mind and a body that never stayed still.

                  DON MUMFORD

I wrote admiringly of his drumming in The First Book of Oregon Jazz, Rock & All Sorts of Music, was present at a memorable farewell northwest gig before he left for Europe and last week was pleased to help with his Wikipedia entry.

Played: 21 | Download | Duration: 00:07:59

Positively, Carolan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Wikipedia:

Don Mumford was a Lawrence, Kansas jazz musician.

In addition to South African jazz pioneer Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), during several productive years in the active music scene of Portland, Oregon, his mentors included drummer Mel Brown and the late saxophonist Jim Pepper. Before leaving Oregon for the international scene Mumford's variegated drumming style was heard in such diverse settings as the play "Red Beans and Rice," Carl Smith's Natural Gas Company and in one especially memorable jazz gig together with Ted Trimble, Steve Christofferson and Nancy King in Eugene.

In the 1980s Mumford toured Africa and Europe with Abdullah Ibrahim and Essiet Okon Essiet, as well as with the famed aggregation of the late Sun Ra.

Mumford died in Des Moines, Iowa in July 2007 at age 53.