Gordon Stone, an Emmy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist from Burlington, VT who had collaborated over the years with bands including Phish, moe., Strangefolk, and Max Creek, has died, Jam Bands reports. News of the veteran musician’s passing was first shared on Sunday by Vermont jazz radio host David Beckett.
Stone played banjo and pedal steel on Phish’s “Poor Heart”, which was included on the band’s 1992 A Picture of Nectar album, in addition to “Fast Enough for You”, which appeared on 1993’s Rift. Stone also appeared on Mike Gordon‘s 2003 solo album, Inside In. His own outfit, the Gordon Stone Band, notably performed at a mix of Phish’s concert events in years past including The Clifford Ball, The Great Went, and Lemonwheel.
Stone’s widow, Jennifer Harwood Stone, confirmed his death with a Facebook post published on Sunday morning which reads,
Hi friends, it is with great sadness that I have to share the news of Gordon’s passing. For those who knew him, played with him, or just enjoyed his music understood how truly gifted and talented he was. He left us a beautiful gift in the form of his music. We will all feel this loss deeply but hopefully we can also feel comfort in knowing he is now at peace.
I will miss my partner in life. He was like no other. I am grateful for the time we had together on this earth. Rest now. There will be a private social distancing gathering for close friends and family at some point soon. Light a candle, say a prayer, smile, play Gordons tunes and send him love for his journey. Thank you all for friendships and musicianship.
The versatile musician was recognized with a Regional Emmy Award for “Outstanding ​Achievement in Music Composition” thanks to his work on the soundtrack for Jay Craven’s VPT series Windy Acres in 2005. Other artists within the bluegrass and jam band with whom Stone had played over the years included Tony Trischka, Vassar Clemmens, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, and more.
Read a remembrance of Gordon Stone posted on Sunday by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio:
As the Jam Bands report states, Stone most recently sat in with moe. during a performance at Burlington’s Higher Ground in October 2006—a show which also featured a guest sit-in from Phish’s Page McConnell.
Listen to Stone’s banjo playing on Phish’s “Poor Heart” with the original studio recording below.
Phish – “Poor Heart”
[Video: Phish]
Click here to visit Stone’s website where fans can purchase the various albums from his solo catalog.
[H/TÂ JamBands]