R.I.P., Celilo’s Kipp Crawford (Updated)-- Local Cut

R.I.P., Celilo’s Kipp Crawford (Updated)

November 5th, 2009 [12:16PM] Posted by: Casey Jarman | 5 COMMENTS

UPDATED 2 PM: Celilo frontman Sloan Martin had this to add about his fallen bandmate:

Kipp was, and wherever he is now, an extraordinary person. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body and most of his friends will agree that he was one of the most gentle and diplomatic dudes around. He was very thoughtful and methodical and never felt the urge to push his agenda on anyone, but would be there in a heartbeat if you needed someone to talk to or to lean on, then he would open up his mind and just listen and answer what ever questions you had openly and honestly. He seemed to be able to see life from many perspectives. Usually after say, noon, you could pretty much count on seeing a smile on his face. Before that, he liked to take it slow, warm up to coffee, quietude, maybe a book. He loved nature, the outdoors, and was never caught up in any hipster bullshit in the music scene or any other. He was funny, passionate, and a hell of a bad ass on the drums, very innovative, musical and creative. He is irreplaceable. He’s probably sitting in with the Angel Band as we speak….

Martin adds that Celilo will play its Nov. 21 show at Mississippi Studios—partilally without a drummer and partially with Matt “The Don of Division St.” Cadanelli. “The show must go on,” he says, adding that a tribute to Crawford is forthcoming.

ORIGINAL POST:

Portland has been sick since yesterday morning upon hearing that a cyclist was struck and killed in North Portland. We’re even more sick now that we’ve heard that the cyclist was Kipp Crawford, drummer for fine local Americana/rock band Celilo, electro-jazz outfit the Fractal Quintet and rock band (which I’ve only just discovered, but they’ve got some pretty great songs) Thanks Kipp. Our hearts go out to Kipp’s family, friends and his band members in what must be an incredibly tough time.

There’s a lot of blabber about the politics of bicycles and cars on the KATU page about the accident. There’s also still a lot of mystery about how the accident happened. There’s a time and place for both discussions, but I’d appreciate it if people could keep our conversation civil and respectful. If you’d like to pay your respects, the comment section is open for that.

Lewi Longmire and friends (playing as the retooled NW Country-Rock Allstars) will be hosting a jam at LaurelThirst tonight as a tribute to Crawford, who played the venue often with Celilo.

Let’s watch Celilo’s Penny Jam video again.