A remembrance by Lusana Erekson
Accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and beloved Subud brother Joe Azarello slipped away on September 8, 2021 to keep a date in Heaven, heading up the Pak Subuh Revue… as sweetly as he did for all of us during an Elegant Night of Musical Culture, envisioned by California Congress Chair, friend, and fellow musician, Michael Menduno, which many may remember at the Airtel Hotel Ballroom in 2012.
It was one of many shining, heart ‘n soul performances from the Gentlest of brothers, Joe Azarello. A pure heart, a kind soul.
A beautiful Subud experience occurred on the night we met. It was a Jazz vocalist’s class at college, where students were told to pick a jazz standard and bring it to perform with a live accompanist. Joe was the accompanist. When the teacher called on me, I went up, handed him my sheet music and sang “Just in Time”, got critiqued by the class and, when class was over, was out the door. I was halfway to my car when I heard my name being called “…Lusana, Lusana, wait, wait…” and turned to see Joe running, carrying his big keyboard case, and trying to catch up with me. I stopped and out of breath he said, “…I just have to ask you something…is that okay?” “Sure,” I said. He continued, “I just have to know…..WHAT were you doing when you were standing next to me singing?!”
I was speechless, but running through my mind as I thought how to answer was having read a Bapak talk where Bapak said, “when we are feeling our latihan, others may be touched by it.” I wondered in amazement, is THIS what’s happening?!? So, I replied, “well, Joe, can you tell me what it felt like?” He said, “well, you were vibrating or something.”
And with his vast heart and soul that could feel so well, he said he would like to be Opened and was, and so many of us had the joyful experience of knowing him, his music, his quickness to laugh and ever-present humor, his light heart, and his great capacity to Love.
We will miss him and well remember his gifts.
If you would like to add you own memories about Joe Azarello, you can do so by adding your thoughts in the comment box below under “Leave a Reply”.
Thanks, Lusana, for your post. I didn’t know Joe had passed. I was privileged to be Joe’s student in 2018 and having the opportunity to jam with him at his home. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Joe was a master jazz pianist and a gentle soul indeed. While taking lessons from him, I learned he grew up near Kenmore, NY (near Buffalo), as did I. I’ll be having a Mass said for Joe. Respectfully, Stephen
O Stephen, that so makes me glad, to know you and Joe together shared so much, from Kenmore to Music to Subud.
And you both, gentle souls in my Real Book of Songs!
Thank you for the Mass….can you tell me when that is so I may attend?
Blessings, your sister, Lusana
I don’t think I ever met Joe, but what a beautiful tribute! Thank you, Lusana, for sharing a bit of him with us.
comment from Theo Salisbury:
Wonderful story, Lusana! Thanks.
–Theodore Richard
Memories of Joe… San Diego in the late 80’s for me. Croche’s was THE place to be if you loved jazz. Joyful memories of dropping in to listen to Joe play and hear my two friends make beautiful music. Joe was a really sweet, soft spoken man. I’m so glad to have known him and shared some time. Blessings on your journey, Joe.
Thank you so much for writing and sharing this Lusana. It’s beautiful. Dear brother Joe would be touched. I loved that guy,. I know we all did.
Peace & blessings,
M2
Joe was one of the clinicians at the Jazz Artists Guild camp in 2000 and played on one of the songs on my demo. Thank you, Joe.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Azzarelo a few years ago through
Michael Menduno. He came to our latihan during the time when we had a place in Palm Springs. I loved his music and made a point to go to where he was playing during the time he lived in Palm Springs. He had a brand of humour which was unique and original that was all Joe. I had lessons on piano with him for a brief time till he left Palm Springs area to live with his sister near San Diego. One of the highlights of my lessons with him was to request he play a song of my choice. He never hesitated, and his musical inventions are memorable. Totally gifted and accomplished jazz musician that he was.
His original humour and just a nice man will always be remembered.
Michael and I plan to observe his 40th day of passing by doing a latihan together and anyone else who would like to join in our prayer for Joe.
Thank you for sharing this Lusana. I was a friend and student of Joe’s in Buffalo in the early 70’s. I remember his deep chanting voice early in the morning – a call to all the household to wake up with yoga!
As my piano and composition teacher he told me to write a melody with 3 notes. Bored with that idea, I quit lessons. Now a musician, composer and music teacher myself, I understand the exercise!
Thank You Joe for your inspiration- musically and spiritually:-)
I’m sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I had the pleasure of having Joe as a roomie in my house in Mission Hills in the early 80’s. I have wonderful memories of listening to Joe . play the old, very good upright piano that I had acquired right before he moved in. He was an incredibly talented musician and I told him to never ‘hold back’, encouraging him to play the piano whenever he felt inspired to do so, and lucky me, that was often. It was a long time ago but I think Joe stayed in my house about a year. In that time, we became good friends