January XXVIIth, MMXVIII
Hon. Dave Eggen, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, New Democratic, Edmonton-Calder
Dear Dave:
I knew Tommy Banks through occasional hot dogs with him in the stands & Edmonton Prospects Baseball Club games. He also produced the first two records for the Joyful Noise Childrens Choir, of which I was lucky enough to sing on as an alumni for the second album. When in the choir, normally it is 4 years maximum for any of the singers. My voice went too deep or base in tone after 3 years. Tommy suggested to Conductor Rein Selles that I be put on doing a little percussion instead & turning pages for organists/pianists. This was great as it extended me out to 6 years. Once I got to sit in the CFRN-TV Studios at night to watch a live performance of his late night jazz television broadcast. When I heard it was leukemia that killed the Senator I was so upset as it killed his good friend Barbara Frum who interviewed Tommy about music during her radio days before CBC News: "The Journal." Gosh what a terrible thing for this city & province & Dominion we call Canada!
Tommy also allowed Ward 4 Edmonton City Council Candidate Wade Izzard to use II of his jazz standards for his website last September/October during the last Civic Election & even picked them out for Wade. Such a kind man to do this for his fellow Liberal!
Of course I saw quite a few Tommy Banks Edmonton Symphony Orchestra concerts, as well as those at The Yardbird Suite jazz club with P. J. Perry & others. He really led a great life & was taken too soon.
Get Back On The Piano & Tickle The Ivories Tommy: The Lord Has Commissioned You To Write A New Theme Song,
Rory
Source: The Edmonton Journal, Reporter: Liane Faulder & Www.TommyBanks.Info & Www.DavidFoster.Com
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