See you later, Ralph.

The rooms and hallways of Falvo Funeral Home were filled to capacity last night with people who had come to honor their friend, their teacher, their fellow musician - Rafael (Ralph) Ortiz. The shock and pain, the disbelief and sadness were palpable; but so, too, was the love, the light and the beautiful energy that Ralph brought with him everywhere.

I've been to many Hot Sweets and Prime Time Funk gigs, and I have seen and heard Ralph play dozens of times. It never gets old. He always has some way to amaze. His vocals, harmonizing with Jimmy on Sweet Baby James and others, were so sweet. At the last gig I went to, I mentioned to him how beautiful his voice was and that I hoped he'd start doing more singing. My favorite Ralph tune is Ain't No Sunshine (When She's Gone). Each time I heard it, it was better than the time before. And after the gigs, I would tell him how awesome he was, and he'd get that sheepish "aw shucks" look that was totally genuine. His humility, as he accepted my compliments (or anyone's compliments), only served to add his beauty as a person and as a musician.

The musical community, and the community as a whole, has suffered an incredible loss in the death of Ralph Ortiz. It might be that it could have been avoided if we, as a nation, honored our musicians and artists the way they should be - with a livable wage and health insurance. But that is fodder for another post.

I know that it is going to be hard for the guys who have been playing with Ralph for decades to get up on a stage and play without him. I know it will be a shock to look over to where he always stood and not find him there. And I know their hearts will be heavy for a long time. But Ralph has left a legacy of love and light and music in each of his bandmates, his students, his friends and family. He will be with us always.

Look out, angels; Rafael Ortiz is going to teach you about funk!

yours in music,
Tracy