Roosevelt Collier took a moment to honor fallen musical brother-in-arms Kofi Burbridge yesterday at the 2019 edition of the Brainquility Music Festival, held at the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park.  Collier’s emotional dedication of his tune “Make It Alright” and the mid-song slip into a hushed and mournful slide guitar rendition of  “Amazing Grace” was truly moving.  While the emotional moment was clearly affecting Collier, the support from his backing band, special guests The Heavy Pets, and the crowd made it an uplifting experience for all in earshot.

News of the loss of Kofi Burbridge has saddened the music community and Collier said after the set that he just wanted to make a little music in his friends name. The late Burbridge had many stellar musical moments on the stages of the Suwannee and it was only fitting that his memory be honored at the venue. For all the times Burbridge’s flute and keys soared among the Spanish moss draped live oaks, he made himself a part of this revered venue, and for a brief but glorious moment, his spirit was evoked again.

As soon as the tribute was over, Collier kicked the show back into high-gear with his sacred steel funky blues style, by welcoming the remaining Heavy Pets members out for a senses shattering set-closing super-jam on his tune “Rampage.” After taking the crowd down such an emotional path, it was a mark of showmanship to musically remind the audience that to appreciate joy you must first experience sorrow. Hopefully the lesson Roosevelt Collier provided after the tragic loss of Burbridge will help us to remember that life’s beauty is rooted in its fragility, but that love is eternal.

Watch videos of Roosevelt Collier’s tribute to Kofi Burbridge below:

Roosevelt Collier – “Make It Alright”  

[Video: RexAVision]

Roosevelt Collier “Rampage” 

[Video: RexAVision]