Marc Awodey reports that Shamms Mortier has passed away…

Shamms and his merry band of Science Fixion fusion compadres taught me a lot about music. Just watching the excellent musicianship and arrangement up close — all infused with the freak-spirituality of Sun Ra and Frank Zappa — had a deep impact on how I thought about music.

Awodey provides a recent note from Shamms. I post it here, too…

How honored I have been in these last three-plus decades to be in the sacred classroom with you. You have given me more, taught me more, than you will ever know. All narratives must eventually reach their final chapter, and this is true for all of us as well. Would that it were not so, I would elect to keep teaching and learning forever; and perhaps that is what happens anyway in the great and enduring mystery to come. I would ask all of you to keep focused upon three things. First, be creative! That means risking doing things that are just out of reach. Push yourself to climb mountains. Second, or maybe first, be compassionate. Realize that extending a helping hand is the heart of humanity, and without heart, no blood flows. Third, be conscious! Wake up! Be aware of your world and your life. I send you much love.

— Shamms… April 21, 2008