MIKE FAY, 82, on Oct. 16. A bass player whose love of jazz came from listening to recordings of bands from the New Orleans jazz revival era and from spending quality time with musicians from the George Lewis and Kid Ory bands who regularly visited Los Angeles. He joined the legendary El Dorado JB in the early 1960s and ovcr the years, played with just about everybody in traditional jazz on the West Coast.
Mike was a stellar part of such powerhouse bands as the Sunset Music Company, Golden Eagle, Gremoli, Tom Sharpsteen’s Orlandos, Albion, South Frisco, and Grand Dominion. Hal Smith, leader of the New Orleans Wanderers and Jazz Chihuahuas, said, “Mike was always a positive influence on every engagement. He gave 100% to the music, always hitting just the right notes, was a superb teacher, and kept everyone smiling, both on and off the bandstand.”
