Veteran bassist Carl Dufrene Jr. has passed away. The Louisiana-native musician’s passing was confirmed in a post by North Mississippi Allstars, with whom Dufrene collaborated for many years, most recently on the band’s 2019 album, Up and Rolling. As of publication time, no cause of death had been specified.
Prior to joining up with North Mississippi Allstars for Up and Rolling, Dufrene—lovingly known as Bayou Buddha—toured and performed with various notable acts including Anders Osborne, The Trongone Band, and more. Of his work on Osborne’s 2016 album, Flower Box, Live For Live Music remarked that Dufrene offered up the “perfect counterpoint to Anders, the focused solidity of his tone providing welcome contrast to the splashy guitar froth churned up by Osborne.”
“You had the heart of a 9 year old prince and the soul of a 98 year old boat maker,” Osborne said in an emotional note on Dufrene’s passing.
Noted Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), “Carl was a great improvisational partner, fearlessly heading down uncharted spontaneous compositions while never losing the groove. We were honored to make music with Carl for years. He always elevated the music. Carl was a national treasure, a true ambassador of Louisiana musicality and hospitality.”
Read remembrances of Carl Dufrene posted by Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and Anders Osborne, and The Trongone Band below: