By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021

On September 26th, the Live Music Community came together with friends, family and fellow musicians to celebrate the life of local West Orange resident Bass Man Darryl Clark. Folks came from as far as Massachusetts, New York and more to express their sentiments. Folks who could not make this event in person, joined in and viewed the livestream from New York, Florida, California and more.

We had tried this in July, but the 2nd time was a charm as on a perfect weather day the community came together for the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sunday that celebrated the life of bass player, father and community member Darryl Clark. Darryl became a fixture on the live music scene as he performed in numerous live music events in and around South Orange NJ. Always friendly, always helpful, Darryl jammed with us, produced some truly swinging performances and enjoyed playing bass all over the area.

It was a beautiful day, the weather was great as we recreated a number of environments Darryl performed in.

The South Orange Farmers market where Darryl jammed numerous times.
His band DC Fusion with former band members Howard Hall and Alex DeLazzari.
The Nat Adderley Jr. Trio as Nat was one of his biggest supporters and played with Darryl Clark many times in Spiotta Park.

We also live streamed events overnight with submitted performances by his college buddy saxophonist Marshall McDonald and vocalist Lynette Sheard, amongst others, who performed with him in the past.

Below is a taste of each of the live music tribute events that reflected Darryl’s musical life in and around South Orange with friends and family.

Full events will be found at https://vimeo.com/gregoryburrus.

South Orange Farmers Market Jam led by Peter Lin

A taste of the Peter Lin Trio Tribute to Darryl Clark in the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in Spiotta Park, South Orange NJ.

A huge thank you to Peter Lin Trio with Gordon Kuba on Drums, Billy Smolen on Bass and led by Peter Lin on Trombone for leading off Day 2 of the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree. It was a perfect and fitting tribute of live music for our buddy Bass man Darryl Clark as we recaptured the South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jams.

Jazzy Nights DC Fusion Band led by Howard Hall

Here we have a little bit of Darryl’s original band, DC Fusion, in Tribute to Darryl Clark in 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in Spiotta Park, South Orange NJ.

Thank you to DC Fusion Jazz, led by the Howard Hall Quartet, in celebration of the DC Fusion Band, Darryl Clark Rides Again on Day 2 of the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree.

DC Fusion rode one more time in honor of Darryl Clark with Coo Moe Jhee on Bass, band member Alex De Lazzari on Sax, filling in Errold Lanier Jr. on Drums, and led by Howard Hall on Keys. Thank you all for replaying the tunes he loved and for recreating the Jazzy Nights scene. Especially nice was calling up the folks he loved to play with as they came through. Just fabulous live music all around, all day on a beautiful sunny day.

Family and Friends Tributes led by Gregory Burrus

Folks came from as far as Massachusetts to express their sentiments.

*Folks who could not make this event in person joined in and watched the livestream from New York, Florida, California and more.*

The tributes were amazing.

Fellow Musicians Led by Neighbor Nat Adderley Jr.

A taste of the Nat Adderley Jr. Tribute to Darryl Clark at the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree with Chris Berger & Jerome Jennings.

A big thank you goes out to the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio for headlining the day and closing out our 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree. From the 1st tune to the end, your trio with Bassist Chris Berger and Drummer Jerome Jennings was slamming.

A Great Tribute and Great Day of Live Music

The live music was smoking hot, made everyone feel welcome, and I know it made Darryl Clark proud as the music flowed hard, fast and friendly. Thank you for having fun with all of Darryl‘s Friends and Family and audience members who clearly enjoyed themselves while paying tribute to Darryl.

Darryl William Clark (1962 – 2020)

We commemorate our buddy Darryl Clark who now resides in musical heaven.

“A year ago today my world stopped and it felt like I’d never breathe again. But you, our amazing sons, the love that surrounds us and God, have been the source of my strength. You were and still are a blessing to me, and for that, I am thankful. I miss you everyday. Rest in peace my bass man, my captain, my love.” —Michele Clark

Thank you Good Buddy Darryl for being you. — Greg