5 months ago
Anonymous
From: Julian Desmier Sent: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Subject: My tribute to Benny
Gone from our sight, but not from our hearts.
I will always remember Benny, a gentle, softly spoken man who was also an extremely talented musician.
One side of Benny that I will never forget was his insistence that a second-rate performance by his fellow musicians was never acceptable, as he always expected and achieved the very best from them. We would have to rehearse a song over and over again until he thought it was good enough to perform in public.
Benny had this unique ability, with his gentle smile and persuasive way, not to offend you, but rather to encourage you to replicate the original arrangement perfectly through his teaching. He was a magnificent lead guitarist, playing complex arrangements, such as Santana, and would memorise every single note, both for himself as well as the parts for every musician and vocalist. That was a God-given musical talent which not many musicians possess today.
Benny, my friend, from the short time we spent together performing, I will always remember you as one of the most talented lead guitarists of our generation. I owe you so much for all your help and musical guidance. You brought out the best in me as a musician and made me realise how important it was for the public to listen to musicians at their best.
There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a fitting tribute to you, my friend. I just want you to know that I am both a better person and musician for having known you and how much I enjoyed playing with you and your fellow talented musicians.
It is often said that behind every successful man, and in this instance a talented, gentle, loving man too, there is a devoted, loving wife; how true that is.
Julian Desmier
