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David Norris-Elye

David Norris-Elye Radio

General Info

  • Genre: Jazz / Nu-Jazz / Other

    Location Ontario, CA

    Profile Views: 9691

    Last Login: 11/25/2010

    Member Since 3/8/2007

    Website http://www.townemusic.com

    Record Label unsigned

    Type of Label Indie

  • Bio

    ..This is a tribute page for a much beloved musician/composer and artist. Comments and tributes are welcomed - feel free to email me if you wish to add anything. .. .. I only had a few MP3s that David gave me a few years ago, so that is what I've posted - if any of you have something more up to date and can send MP3s - I'll be glad to post them. .... ..DAVID NORRIS-ELYE BIO In his own words.... Music Education:.. * Woodroffe High School (Ottawa) senior band as principal clarinetist (4yrs).. * Ottawa Youth Band (3 yrs, principal clarinetist).. * University of Western Ontario Music Program (clarinet major, played contra-bass clarinet in the Concert Band) .. Biography:.. * involved in the music business for 32 years & has performed as saxophonist with numerous bands.. * has done numerous recording sessions as a saxophonist & acoustic guitarist, lots of session work on record albums, commercial 'jingles' and film soundtracks .. Bands Played In:.. a) as a member of:.. * The Stampeders, Long John Baldry, Downchild Blues Band, Last Dash for Cash Band, George Olliver, Justin Paige Band, Robert E. Lee Brigade, Mike McKenna Band.........and many others .. b) as a sideman in:.. * Cano (Masque), The Drifters, Goddo, Cement City Stompers, DaisyDebolt, Fraser & Debolt, The Meteors, Nightfly..... and many others .. Instruments Played:.. * soprano, alto & tenor saxes; soprano & alto recorders; Yamaha WX7 MIDI wind controller; 6 & 12 string Laskin acoustic guitars, Godin electric guitar, keyboards, MIDI programming .. Recordings:.. * Rick Terriault (Living On the Edge of Time).. * Pukka Orchestra (1 album).. * Rich Dodson (1 album).. * Robert Priest & the Great Big Face (1 album).. * Trudy Artman.. * Bob Segarini (Goodbye LA).. * The Stampeders (4 albums).. * Long John Baldry (2 albums).. * Keith McKie (Rumours at the News-stand).. * Cano (Masque / 1 album).. * Joe DiNardo (The Turnaround) .. Production / Composer Credits:.. * Gisele Fredette (One Voice CD) producer, engineer, composer.. * co-producer for Vancouver recording act Passage (Dangerous Dance).. * Commonwealth Games, Victoria, BC (session acoustic guitarist).. * Royal Bank commercial (acoustic guitar).. * Progressive Democratic Alliance (Victoria, BC, co- produced, engineered & arranged a four minute music track to go along with a video for their election campaign).. * Holman Communications Ltd. (wrote, recorded & produced 2hr Alien theme audio landscape for Astra Pharmaceuticals Convention at Sheraton Centre (Jan11/95).. * Wolfson Bell Productions (produced music & ambience for Petro Canada Convention (Apr 8-9/94, Sheraton Center).. * Twinstar Communications (wrote & produced custom 60 sec music track for corporate video presentation (Newcourt Financial Corp).. * Holman Communications Ltd. (wrote / recorded & produced audio landscape for ISLU Convention at Metro Convention Centre, Jun29/93).. * arranged & produced theme song for fund raising gala for Markham Stouffeville General Hospital.. * produced & engineered music for film "Love 40" (a movie directed by Margot Kidder) .. Television:.. (a) played sax with Cano for the following productions:.. * (TVO/NFB) "Vingt Ans Express" series 1986 (soundtracks).. * "Angels In the Night" soundtrack 1985.. * TVO "Rue Bordeaux" pilot 1985.. * TVO "Vid Kids" soundtrack.. * TVO "Transit 30/50" soundtrack 1987.. * "Les Rogers" Opus Prod 1987.. * Cano "City TV Great Movies Theme" 1987.. * CBC "Sports Weekend Theme Music" 1989 .. (b) played sax with Long John Baldry for:.. * PBS concert in Aimes, Iowa 1985.. * BCTV(CTV) concert special with Tommy Chong, Vancouver 1985.. * many cable TV shows 1986-87 .. (c) Cano (Masque).. * "Stereovision" live concert tapings 1981 (played acoustic guitar, saxes & recorders).. (d) CBC.. * "Dinah Christie Superspecial" 1981, played sax in pit band & contracted horn section .. (e) Stampeders.. * national send-off party televised by Global TV, many live tapings 1976-78 .. (f) have written..... * Many instrumentals which have been used for TV stings, documentaries etc .. Theatre:.. * produced & co-wrote music for "Shanti" at Bathurst Theatre (Toronto) 1993.. * musical director at Global Village Theatre (Toronto) for several productions in 1972-73 .. Acting:.. * have been an ACTRA member since 1986 & have done over 600 shoots as background performer, many commercials & films (playing sax & / or guitar)

  • Members

    ..David Norris-Elye - R.I.P. .. David passed peacefully and mercifully quickly at 3:12 AM, March 8, 2007, surrounded by friends and family..... You will be sadly missed..... ----------------------- (My Apologies if the text below repeats - the MySpace editor is on the fritz today).... ..THE DAVE CONNECTION ..Well folks, yesterday - March 24, 2007 - was the Church service for our friend, the Dave. ........Held at Cornerstone Community Church, in Mississauga, at 1pm. There was music - special, lovely acapella music from The Choirgirlz and Yohanna Vanderkley. Tributes and prayers from Pastors T and J Hale.....We heard some lovely memories and special moments from Dave's sister, Sheila, and from long-time friend, David Saslove.....It was great to share in these special, sometimes intensely personal, moments, and I think that it helped us all to recall our own special times with Dave. .... As David Saslove recalled learning special guitar playing techniques with Dave, I remembered sitting in his studio while he proudly showed me his Grit Laskin guitar, with Q snuggled up beside him, making like it was HIS guitar we were admiring.....Sheila shared with us some tender childhood memories and spoke of Dave's progression from child to young man to adult, and how much she enjoyed meeting some of his musical friends... ..The last musical number was a rollicking version of When "The Saints Go marching in" with enthusiastic participation from the audience (consisting of firends and family with lots of musicians present.....Finally - before it was time to mingle with everyone. David Saslove presented a slide show he had compiled, made up of favorite pictures of David, lovingly gathered together by Sheila.....What a wonderful way to complete this service, which was as much a celebration of The Dave as it was a farewell.....As we got up from our seats and went to mingle with each other, I had an the overwhelming feeling David Norris Elye - had somehow - managed to weave such a rich fabric of friends and family into both his life, and into all of ours.....On a personal level - I thought about how, through The Dave, I was able to, for the first time, record some songs. Thanks to The Dave, I got hooked up with his long-time friend, the fantastic guitar player and musician - Tim Johns. The Dave and Tim combo got me started on the long, uphill road to writing more, recording more and meeting a ton of other musicians.....It's amazing how many connections lead back to The Dave.....So, while these thoughts were running through my head, I wandered into the meeting area, and within minutes ran into a series of people I knew, who were connected to the Dave, one way or another, but that I had no idea.... so there it was again..........................................The Dave Connection ..THE DAVE CONNECTION ..Well folks, yesterday - March 24, 2007 - was the Church service for our friend, the Dave. ........Held at Cornerstone Community Church, in Mississauga, at 1pm. There was music - special, lovely acapella music from The Choirgirlz and Yohanna Vanderkley. Tributes and prayers from Pastors T and J Hale.....We heard some lovely memories and special moments from Dave's sister, Sheila, and from long-time friend, David Saslove.....It was great to share in these special, sometimes intensely personal, moments, and I think that it helped us all to recall our own special times with Dave. .... As David Saslove recalled learning special guitar playing techniques with Dave, I remembered sitting in his studio while he proudly showed me his Grit Laskin guitar, with Q snuggled up beside him, making like it was HIS guitar we were admiring.....Sheila shared with us some tender childhood memories and spoke of Dave's progression from child to young man to adult, and how much she enjoyed meeting some of his musical friends... ..The last musical number was a rollicking version of When "The Saints Go marching in" with enthusiastic participation from the audience (consisting of firends and family with lots of musicians present.....Finally - before it was time to mingle with everyone. David Saslove presented a slide show he had compiled, made up of favorite pictures of David, lovingly gathered together by Sheila.....What a wonderful way to complete this service, which was as much a celebration of The Dave as it was a farewell.....As we got up from our seats and went to mingle with each other, I had an the overwhelming feeling David Norris Elye - had somehow - managed to weave such a rich fabric of friends and family into both his life, and into all of ours.....On a personal level - I thought about how, through The Dave, I was able to, for the first time, record some songs. Thanks to The Dave, I got hooked up with his long-time friend, the fantastic guitar player and musician - Tim Johns. The Dave and Tim combo got me started on the long, uphill road to writing more, recording more and meeting a ton of other musicians.....It's amazing how many connections lead back to The Dave.....So, while these thoughts were running through my head, I wandered into the meeting area, and within minutes ran into a series of people I knew, who were connected to the Dave, one way or another, but that I had no idea.... so there it was again..........................................The Dave Connection.... -----------------------.... FROM RONNIE KING.... Regarding David, .. Please accept my deepest condolences. David has been my friend and confidant for over 30 years. I will miss very much his one of a kind talent, unique personality, and character. He was truly a man of the highest integrety and made the world a better place with all his being. For those of us that loved him, thanks to all who helped him through the most difficult time of his life. .... My heart is there with all .. Condolences and kindest regards to the Norris-Elye family. .. Ronnie King ......++++++++++++++++++++++++.. .. FROM GISELLE FREDETTE....Goodbye my friend!.. I will miss my dear friend and collegue, who was always ready and willing to contribute to my musical ideas. He brought to life all of my original songs on my album "One Voice, Une Voix, Una Voz". You were the"je ne of the sais quoi". .. ..Fly Away and be free, and I look forward to joining you one day in the band of the new world. .. ..God Bless you! .. ..Love Gisèle.. ..+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++.. ..FROM VIVIAN CLEMENT.. ..For all the friends of David who may be wondering how a guy like that got involved in church I will quickly let you know... ..My husband Tony had hired David to do a corporate gig up North around 10 years ago (I think)and on the way back home the drummer got onto the topic of spirituality and God. (Musicians! We'll talk about anything!!) Anyway, David was very quick to jump in and mentioned that he had no interest in God or the church. That was fine and it was left at that. We became friends with David and about a year later David called to say he had been diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after that our church (now called Cornerstone a small community church) had what was called Friendship Day and we could invite friends who may be interested in attending church but may not feel comfortable coming in on their own. I had a strong feeling that I should invite David, even though he was very clear on where he stood. I decided to follow my instinct and ask him to come, actually expected him to say no. Well, he definitely surprised me by saying yes, and has attended ever since... ..Although David never seemed like the spiritual guy, and was very conservative with his thoughts and feelings, I have personally witnessed a strong belief that began to grow in him. Through his whole sickness, he had a strength that came from deep inside, and He knew that God was really helping him. He is a great example of someone who truly believed and this belief gave him tremendous hope to live each extra day with the best of his ability. Although most of us as musicians dont take this road as far as spirituality goes, I beleive with certainty that David survived as long as he did because of his undying faith. People at cornerstone truly loved him and he felt like this was his second family. I know that he will be truly missed, (particularly his sense of humour!) but he has joined the other great musicians who have passed on and are jammin' in a better place!! No having to set up gear or tear down and the band leader is a great guy!!.. ..Vivian Clement .... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++....FROM KIM ADDISON....It's weird, but when i think about david - i never really spent that much time with him... but despite that - it seems i knew him... ..We played together in a band called hollywood. We hung out a little back then... but then went our separate ways. Every couple of years I'd be walking down the street at some festival and I'd hear my name - turn around - and there he was. We never made plans, never called each other on the phone, we would just meet, suprisingly, somewhere. He'd be with Q - me with my Pebbles... Our dogs liked each other. We would then have lunch on a patio, say goodbye - then do the whole thing two years later when we would bump into each other again - at yet another festival...the oakville waterfront... the toronto jazz... this one - that one... this concert in the park - that concert in the park..... ..He always kept in touch with me... I'd be going through my own crazy freaked out life - and there'd be an email from him every once in a while. keeping in touch, calming me... hey - slow down... how are you... come over... but i never seemed to find the time... ..I will miss bumping into David. .. ..Kim Addison ..++++++++++++++++++++++++++++....FROM JULIE HOFFMAN .. .. Most of you won't know who I am, but I thought that I would write this e-mail and express my feelings about yesterday and the little time that I was able to spend with David and get to know him. About four years ago I was studying singing under Gisele Fredette, when she introduced me to David. I went in and recorded a few songs and made my first real demo. ....What I have learnt in the past few years is a good producer is someone that is able to interpret what it is that you are trying to say, David did exactly that. He made me believe in my potential, and he was infact my interpreter. ....I went through a few hard years following that, my parents had split up, I was trying to find myself as most young adults do, and on top of it I got nodules on my vocal chords. I was devasted...my voice was my confidance, and my music was my therapy, I didn't have those for quite some time. I then decided to pack up my belongings and move to Australia for a year, it was there that I got reconnected with who I was and what it was that I wanted to do..... I came back did a gig in a local bar in Oakville and the feeling was exhilirating. Weeks later I got in contact with David and told him that I wanted to get back in and record. What I didn't have the chance to tell him was that, no matter where I was or what I was doing, I felt that the one demo that I had recorded, was a constant reminder of what I was able to do. ....My time in his studio, at his house, with Eq, making music, were some of the fondest memories of my journey. I wish that I would have had more time to sit in that basement, learn about David, and allow him to interpret more of my music. I realized yesterday that there were so many great things that I knew about David, but so many more that I could have known. I guess I just wanted to fill you in on another person that 'The Dave' has touched, in times when I didn't have a voice, or I didn't have the confidence to believe in the music, I always had that time that I spent with David to remind me that nothing was impossible, that I could do it, and there was really someone that always understood...an interpreter. .. .. I really felt that yesterday was a celebration of David's life, and I was happy that I got a chance to witness his influence over other people, much like myself. It is without a doubt that David will live on with each of his in our own way, and for that I am greatful for knowing someone like him... ..Julie Hoffmann .... ------------------------------.. From Stephanie.... David was my uncle. I only saw him a few time a year as he lived 4 hours away. I remember him always making me laugh with his Donald Duck impressions and he was just always acting goofy. If you look at the music playlist, the song Amanda's Eyes was written for my cousin Amanda when she was around 2... .. I'm definitely going to miss him. .... --------------------.. From: Peter Willis.. Date: 23/11/2007.. .. I've been very out of touch with my "Canadian Life" over the past 20 years and have recently become rekindled with many great friends. After living in Los Angeles for 16 years I moved to Manila, Philippines 2 years ago. It put me even further away from some very dear friends and work related buddies..... I worked with David back in Toronto while recording the Pukka Orchestra album and as well, with Trudy Artman on various recordings. We always had a great time together and I've been blessed with several funny, fond, and cherished memories of David which have traveled with me no matter where I went..... I was shocked to read your letter here, and am so truly sad to hear of David's passing. I was so looking forward to sharing a few emails with David upon discovering what I, ignorantly thought to be his MySpace site . . . catching up, and joking about the past. Now . . . wow . . . I'm at a loss for words. .... As it's said, life is what happens when were too busy making other plans. I wish I'd had known about David's condition so I could have said something stupid to him just to see that smile one last time. At any rate, his new found peace, and knowledge that his last days with his family were so happy are better than anything I could ever say, or do..... He will always be remembered by me in a cherished way..... Peter Willis

  • Influences

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  • Sounds Like

    ..EULOGIES.... Eulogy of Sheila Norris-Elye to David March 24, 2007.... Good afternoon everyone and, on behalf of my family, thank you for coming today..... I am Sheila Norris-Elye and am here today to commemorate my beloved brother David..... David was the second of five children born to my parents, Richard and Margaret. The other children are Pat, Michael, me and Anne. .... David and I were always especially close. When we were in Germany, David was sent to a summer camp but ended up coming home early because he missed me so much. When we visited David in the hospital in December his childhood memory that he recounted to me was of the two of us sitting on a mountaintop in Switzerland with me on his lap. .... Our family memories of David in my youth are around his music. He played clarinet in the high school band and went on a school trip to England. I remember going to the school to see them off. A lot of his friends were also musicians and he had a huge New Years party one year while the rest of the family was out of town. When we returned home we discovered that a piano had "gone thru" the basement wall. David tried hard to pass on his musical talents to me. When I was about 9 or 10 he led a guitar class with me and a few neighbourhood kids. My guitar days ended quickly though because my rabbit Snuffy escaped one day during class and all of the kids ran outside to chase her..... When he was 19 David went off to Western to study music. After one year, he moved to Toronto and has remained there ever since. He joined several bands over the years and it was always cool to have a musician for a brother. Anne and I and our friends would go to all of his Ottawa shows, mostly high school dances back then, but he even played at the National Arts Centre with the Stampeders. During my university days I would often spend March break with David in Toronto. I still remember the thrill of visiting a studio in Pickering while the Stamps were making an album. For some reason, I ended up getting a ride back into Toronto by Ronnie King. I was so nervous and happy..... Besides being a gifted sax and guitar player, composer and producer David had other talents. Many of you will remember how well he spoke Duck. He could talk or sing like Donald Duck and used to entertain my children, nieces and nephews with his duck talk. The kids would say "Again again" whenever David did his Duck talking. When that Disco Duck song came out in the 80s he was so upset because he was planning on doing the same thing. He was also an actor and appeared in many movies and TV shows. I remember when he was in Fly Away Home. I asked him which part he played and he said “3rd duck from the left”. .... David’s other talent was the ear piercing ability to blow his nose sounding like an elephant. We always thought that he was going to blow his brains out when we could heard his honk from the farthest reaches of the house..... For the last several years, David would spend Xmas and other holidays at my home when he came back to Ottawa. In 1999 he was too ill to travel and he thinks that he passed out for a day or so. That winter he developed pneumonia and it was in May 2000 (around his 50th birthday) that they started doing tests on him to see what was wrong. In August he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and he underwent the first of two stem-cell transplants that year. David suffered a lot thru the stem-cell transplants and the rounds of chemo. Throughout it all though he never complained. When I would call to see how he was doing, he would always ask how I was. He even asked how I was when he was dying in the hospital..... David went into hospital on December 11th and was moved to Andy and Flo Gravitis’ house on January 14th. My sister, Anne, and I flew to Toronto to witness his death and we all witnessed a miracle instead. That morning before we arrived, David woke up, showered and dressed himself and was sitting at the kitchen table eating a grilled cheese sandwich and a coke with Andy when Flo came down for breakfast. When Anne and I arrived at Andy and Flo's house, David was sitting up in the family room and we were able to have two fantastic days with David. We were able to talk to David about our feelings for him and we told him how proud we all were of his perseverance and strength. He told Anne that he wanted her to know he was not afraid of dying. He was sad about what had happened but was not afraid..... That move to Andy and Flo's was a Godsend. David was able to visit again with friends, get his dog EQ back, dream about the future and come to terms with what was eventually going to happen. His last day was peaceful, surrounded by family and friends. He didn't suffer and was surrounded by love and affection when he died. There could be no better place on earth for David to pass on. Thank God that David had the opportunity to stay with Andy and Flo. He got an extra few weeks surrounded by love and comfort that none of us could have possibly dreamed of. .... This experience has been life changing for many of us here today. The main thing that I learned is the importance of family and friends. We all witnessed the power of love and prayer. I truly believe that that is what kept David hanging on for as long as he did. We got to meet many great people whom we would have never met otherwise. We got to reiterate to David our love for him and to hear him communicate his love back to us. .... I want to thank everyone who helped David over these last few months. David had so many wonderful friends including: Andy and Flo Gravitis, Doctor David Saslove, Jo and Brian McKinney, Brenda Rodrigue, Heather and Andre Roy, Sheron Alton and Dan Leonhardt, Bert Steen, Yohanna Vanderkley, Gisele Fredette, Elaine O'Neil, Wayne Derby, Renee Knight, Marilyn Pytka, Randy Milliken and Tony Laviola. There were countless others who I spoke to or emailed and I want you to know that your support was very comforting to me and my family. Special thanks to the palliative care staff at Credit Valley Hospital and to David’s doctors – Benjamin, Kaiser, Meyers, Sauls and Schwartz. Also thanks to personal support workers Maureen and Jean. And finally, thanks to Pastor Terence and the Cornerstone Church community for taking David into their fold..... When David was nearing the end, I started to gather photos of him to prepare a slideshow for his funeral. Anne mentioned this to David and asked him to name a favourite song. The song that he chose is Reflections. Anne asked David if he wanted to view the slideshow and he said that he would wait to “watch it from the other side”. David Saslove kindly spent this past week putting the slideshow together for us. Thank you David..... I know that my David is watching right now so I want to say to you David that "I love you and will hold my memories of you in my heart for ever. I am happy that you are no longer suffering and I know that you will always be there for me, as you always have been.".... As Brian McKinney said to me “David suffered his hell here on earth. He will pass quickly into Heaven.”.... Now let us all watch the show with David and then celebrate his life. As David requested in his will “I want the service to be a celebration of my life, not a morbid stuffy event.  Be happy that I'm no longer there to fester you and make fun of you.  Now it's your turn, I can take it... after all I'm dead.... have a laugh on me!".... Thank you.... Sheila Norris-Elye.... --------------------------------.... Eulogy of David Saslove to David Norris-Elye.... David Norris-Elye – A Celebration of a Musical Life.... For those of you who don’t know me, my name is David Saslove (aka dr-dave), and I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying “The Dave’s” wry wit and great sense of humour, as one of his closest friends, since we met in December of 1969. Forever a true pragmatist, Dave came to terms with his mortality, in his typically organized way, early on in his illness. From the very onset to the final stages, Dave remained OK with it all and it was his wish that we not be sad or downtrodden here today. In fact, in his will he states that he wants this to be a celebration of his life and that we should be happy because he’s not here to “fester” us any more; and so it is with love, humility and honour that I stand before you to say a few words to help celebrate the life of our beloved friend. .... Very quickly after meeting David, we decided we needed to join a band together, so we did - in the summer of 1970 (it was “Jimmy Young & his Psycho-Soul Revue” – black & gold pinstripe suits, white shoes, dance steps…the whole “kit & caboodle”…and yes it really was quite a hoot!). Ever since then Dave & I have playing, writing and producing music together. We have been each other’s go-to person for any technical or computer related problem solving for so long, that it’s hard to imagine that I will now have to allocate this to memory..... At the end of that same summer 1970, Dave & I travelled out West with some friends and Dave changed my musical life…(when) he taught me how to finger-pick acoustic guitar. I’ve always loved the beautiful and unique quality of Dave’s guitar playing, so even then I knew I was being given a treasured gift. Now as you know, Dave was a very humble guy and never really thought of himself as a great guitarist, but on that point we differed…what a gorgeous sense of harmony he had and his acoustic style was wonderful…I have always loved it!.... When I met Dave, he was studying music at UWO and was predominantly a virtuoso clarinetist with the most impeccable ear I had ever experienced. He was able to hear music and see it written as he listened, so he was a natural to transfer his virtuosity to all the Saxes, quickly becoming known (particularly to himself) as “the John Denver of Saxophone”. Of course, as you all know, this led him to pursue an active & successful professional career as a horn player. Over the years Dave has been a member of a number of excellent and well-known bands - most noteworthy were the Stampeders, Long John Baldry, The Downchild Blues Band, Justin Paige Band, Last Dash For Cash Band, the George Oliver Band, The Robert E. Lee Brigade & The Mike McKenna Band. David was also a sideman in Cano (Masque), The Drifters, Goddo, The Cement City Stompers, Daisy Debolt, Fraser & Debolt, The Meteors, Nightfly and many others. Most recently he has played with buddies Andy & Bert in the truly great 905 Band, and for a number of years Dave has held the sax chair in a band close to my heart, Slice of Life, with whom he played his last gig June 7, 2006..... Now not only has Dave been a terrific live performer, he was an ACTRA member having done over 600 shoots and he also made many TV & film appearances as a background performer. Dave was a composer, arranger, engineer and producer with a great passion for recording and he loved to spend hours in the studio. Dave contributed his considerable performance talent on many recordings, too many to mention here, but you can check it out easily, by doing a “Google” search on David Norris-Elye and from there find his website, where his Bio and numerous credits are noted. The Dave engineered & produced albums for other great performers, like his very close friend Gisele Fredette (recently finishing her “One Voice” CD – a project he truly loved). .... For me the culmination of his creativity can be found in the two albums he wrote, arranged & produced – “Mist Over Juan De Fuca” and “Sweet Rain”, both of which were also wonderful collaborative efforts. Dave loved having his musical friends add their unique talents to his music. Frequently, those of us privileged enough to join him, would add our parts without ever seeing the other contributors, in fact many of us only just met while visiting Dave in the hospital. This is classic DNE: often preferring to relate in a one-to-one or small group; socially I liken the Dave to being the hub of a wheel, with many spokes joined to us all and I’ve come to appreciate that through “the Dave” we will always remain connected. .... As evidenced by his studio nickname “Irritate the Dave Productions”, our friend could be hard headed, impatient and an irascible sot at times…but always loveable, and he charmed us all with that terrific sense of humour and wit, which he maintained throughout all his trials and tribulations. David’s two marriages brought him some of his sweetest & most happy times but eventually some of his most difficult. Fortunately, he found a devoted companion – his life-line – who loved him unconditionally - his little buddy “EQ” aka “Cudles”, who helped him battle the inevitability and fear of the Multiple Myeloma. His love for “Q” was unprecedented - a wonderful sight to behold!.... Earlier I mentioned David played with The 905 Band - well just this past Feb.3rd we all had the pleasure of seeing this great band with “The Dave” himself at the Boston Manor. It was quite a celebration of Dave’s recent window of improved health, and this outing, to a club nonetheless, was nothing short of a miracle! .... Let me explain - When Dave was hospitalized in December, he had all but given up; he was just plain tired of being sick. In the following days all of his friends rallied, came to visit and there is no question Dave reconnected, regaining his spirit and his will to live. So despite the fact that he was very ill, almost constantly asleep, not eating or drinking much, Multiple Myeloma throughout his bone marrow, literally on death’s door and medically not expected to live past the Dec. 17th weekend, David played a different song. He hung in there over the next weeks and we were even able to get him out of the hospital (ostensibly to die at Andy & Flo’s home). We don’t really know what happened but Dave’s interminable and recently rejuvenated spirit, coupled with the team of selfless, caring and energy healing friends including Flo, Andy & Brenda, brought our friend back to the world of the living. We were given a great gift – David became incredibly lucid and emotionally connected, the likes of which we had never seen (before). It was truly unbelievable! .... The other day our friend, Tom Lockwood remarked to me that: “no matter what was going on in his life, David always maintained his love of music and especially the creative process.” And I think Tom really found the tone of our strong bond with Dave when he recalled that we had “some really great times - with a like-minded soul - doing what we loved to do - make music”..... It’s impossible to sum up anyone’s life in a few words, and all of us who were privileged to have David Norris-Elye in our lives can only treasure his life and memory in our own private way. I know my life will be very different without him - but he is all over my life…in my music, my family life and in my heart. .... I’d like to close by sharing something a very wise man and a most influential mentor, my Grandfather Saul Saslove, once told me when I asked him about his view of immortality - and he said that “you will live on forever in the hearts, minds and memories of those you touch”. I can honestly say that “The Dave” definitely touched us all!.... ----------------------.... Eulogy by Louise Peacock to David March 24, 2007 .. .. This is both sad occasion and yet a joyous one. David was a very special person. I met him roughly 10 years ago, at a gig we were all at - he came and sat at our table and we hit it off immediately. He and my husband (a computer geek) had a great time hashing over computers and recording equipment. We all had a giggle cutting up the band. A few weeks after, David emailed me to invite us to "tea". A friendship was forged. .. .. We met for Chinese buffet. We would always get there early, and there might be only two other customers there - Dave would look around horrified and say "Quick, let's get to the buffet before the rest of them get all the food!" During our many lunches, we had a great time cutting up our various musician friends, and talked about our pets. .. .. After he got out of computers, David asked me to help him re-vamp his web page. He had just gone through his first stem cell transplant and had recently acquired Q. Always mindful of being careful with money - he offered to give me studio time in exchange for web services. As a result - I was able to get some songs recorded - (they were awful) for the first time in my life. This gave me the push to keep on writing and recording. .. .. When David found out that I am a horticulturist he asked for some chemical help with a couple of problem small trees. Some entertaining afternoons were spent dealing with pests and disease on his plants and being chased by angry wasps. Dave would buy me lunch when I did the garden thing for him. .. .. I will miss visiting David, having lunches with him, gossiping about our mutual musician friends and playing with my little bud, Q. But, much as I will miss him, I am grateful that he was finally released from his pain. And, I thankful that he died peacefully, surrounded by loving friends and family. .. .. I will miss him. .. ..

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Bio:

This is a tribute page for a much beloved musician/composer and artist. Comments and tributes are welcomed - feel free to email me if you wish to add anything.

I only had a few MP3s that David gave me a few years ago, so that is what I've posted - if any of you have something more up to date and can send MP3s - I'll be glad to post them.

DAVID NORRIS-ELYE BIO In his own words

Music Education:

* Woodroffe High School (Ottawa) senior band as principal clarinetist (4yrs)
* Ottawa Youth Band (3 yrs, principal clarinetist)
* University of Western Ontario Music Program (clarinet major, played contra-bass clarinet in the Concert Band)

Biography:

* involved in the music business for 32 years & has performed as saxophonist with numerous bands
* has done numerous recording sessions as a saxophonist & acoustic guitarist, lots of session work on record albums, commercial 'jingles' and film soundtracks

Bands Played In:

a) as a member of:
* The Stampeders, Long John Baldry, Downchild Blues Band, Last Dash for Cash Band, George Olliver, Justin Paige Band, Robert E. Lee Brigade, Mike McKenna Band.........and many others

b) as a sideman in:

* Cano (Masque), The Drifters, Goddo, Cement City Stompers, DaisyDebolt, Fraser & Debolt, The Meteors, Nightfly..... and many others

Instruments Played:

* soprano, alto & tenor saxes; soprano & alto recorders; Yamaha WX7 MIDI wind controller; 6 & 12 string Laskin acoustic guitars, Godin electric guitar, keyboards, MIDI programming

Recordings:

* Rick Terriault (Living On the Edge of Time)
* Pukka Orchestra (1 album)
* Rich Dodson (1 album)
* Robert Priest & the Great Big Face (1 album)
* Trudy Artman
* Bob Segarini (Goodbye LA)
* The Stampeders (4 albums)
* Long John Baldry (2 albums)
* Keith McKie (Rumours at the News-stand)
* Cano (Masque / 1 album)
* Joe DiNardo (The Turnaround)

Production / Composer Credits:

* Gisele Fredette (One Voice CD) producer, engineer, composer
* co-producer for Vancouver recording act Passage (Dangerous Dance)
* Commonwealth Games, Victoria, BC (session acoustic guitarist)
* Royal Bank commercial (acoustic guitar)
* Progressive Democratic Alliance (Victoria, BC, co- produced, engineered & arranged a four minute music track to go along with a video for their election campaign)
* Holman Communications Ltd. (wrote, recorded & produced 2hr Alien theme audio landscape for Astra Pharmaceuticals Convention at Sheraton Centre (Jan11/95)
* Wolfson Bell Productions (produced music & ambience for Petro Canada Convention (Apr 8-9/94, Sheraton Center)
* Twinstar Communications (wrote & produced custom 60 sec music track for corporate video presentation (Newcourt Financial Corp)
* Holman Communications Ltd. (wrote / recorded & produced audio landscape for ISLU Convention at Metro Convention Centre, Jun29/93)
* arranged & produced theme song for fund raising gala for Markham Stouffeville General Hospital
* produced & engineered music for film "Love 40" (a movie directed by Margot Kidder)

Television:

(a) played sax with Cano for the following productions:
* (TVO/NFB) "Vingt Ans Express" series 1986 (soundtracks)
* "Angels In the Night" soundtrack 1985
* TVO "Rue Bordeaux" pilot 1985
* TVO "Vid Kids" soundtrack
* TVO "Transit 30/50" soundtrack 1987
* "Les Rogers" Opus Prod 1987
* Cano "City TV Great Movies Theme" 1987
* CBC "Sports Weekend Theme Music" 1989

(b) played sax with Long John Baldry for:
* PBS concert in Aimes, Iowa 1985
* BCTV(CTV) concert special with Tommy Chong, Vancouver 1985
* many cable TV shows 1986-87

(c) Cano (Masque)
* "Stereovision" live concert tapings 1981 (played acoustic guitar, saxes & recorders)

(d) CBC
* "Dinah Christie Superspecial" 1981, played sax in pit band & contracted horn section

(e) Stampeders
* national send-off party televised by Global TV, many live tapings 1976-78

(f) have written.
.. * Many instrumentals which have been used for TV stings, documentaries etc

Theatre:

* produced & co-wrote music for "Shanti" at Bathurst Theatre (Toronto) 1993
* musical director at Global Village Theatre (Toronto) for several productions in 1972-73
Acting:

* have been an ACTRA member since 1986 & have done over 600 shoots as background performer, many commercials & films (playing sax & / or guitar)

Member Since:

March 08, 2007

Members:

David Norris-Elye - R.I.P.
David passed peacefully and mercifully quickly at 3:12 AM, March 8, 2007, surrounded by friends and family.

You will be sadly missed.

----------------------- (My Apologies if the text below repeats - the MySpace editor is on the fritz today)

THE DAVE CONNECTION
Well folks, yesterday - March 24, 2007 - was the Church service for our friend, the Dave.



Held at Cornerstone Community Church, in Mississauga, at 1pm. There was music - special, lovely acapella music from The Choirgirlz and Yohanna Vanderkley. Tributes and prayers from Pastors T and J Hale.

We heard some lovely memories and special moments from Dave's sister, Sheila, and from long-time friend, David Saslove.

It was great to share in these special, sometimes intensely personal, moments, and I think that it helped us all to recall our own special times with Dave.

As David Saslove recalled learning special guitar playing techniques with Dave, I remembered sitting in his studio while he proudly showed me his Grit Laskin guitar, with Q snuggled up beside him, making like it was HIS guitar we were admiring.

Sheila shared with us some tender childhood memories and spoke of Dave's progression from child to young man to adult, and how much she enjoyed meeting some of his musical friends.

The last musical number was a rollicking version of When "The Saints Go marching in" with enthusiastic participation from the audience (consisting of firends and family with lots of musicians present.

Finally - before it was time to mingle with everyone. David Saslove presented a slide show he had compiled, made up of favorite pictures of David, lovingly gathered together by Sheila.

What a wonderful way to complete this service, which was as much a celebration of The Dave as it was a farewell.

As we got up from our seats and went to mingle with each other, I had an the overwhelming feeling David Norris Elye - had somehow - managed to weave such a rich fabric of friends and family into both his life, and into all of ours.

On a personal level - I thought about how, through The Dave, I was able to, for the first time, record some songs. Thanks to The Dave, I got hooked up with his long-time friend, the fantastic guitar player and musician - Tim Johns. The Dave and Tim combo got me started on the long, uphill road to writing more, recording more and meeting a ton of other musicians.

It's amazing how many connections lead back to The Dave.

So, while these thoughts were running through my head, I wandered into the meeting area, and within minutes ran into a series of people I knew, who were connected to the Dave, one way or another, but that I had no idea.... so there it was again...................
.....................The Dave Connection THE DAVE CONNECTION
Well folks, yesterday - March 24, 2007 - was the Church service for our friend, the Dave.



Held at Cornerstone Community Church, in Mississauga, at 1pm. There was music - special, lovely acapella music from The Choirgirlz and Yohanna Vanderkley. Tributes and prayers from Pastors T and J Hale.

We heard some lovely memories and special moments from Dave's sister, Sheila, and from long-time friend, David Saslove.

It was great to share in these special, sometimes intensely personal, moments, and I think that it helped us all to recall our own special times with Dave.

As David Saslove recalled learning special guitar playing techniques with Dave, I remembered sitting in his studio while he proudly showed me his Grit Laskin guitar, with Q snuggled up beside him, making like it was HIS guitar we were admiring.

Sheila shared with us some tender childhood memories and spoke of Dave's progression from child to young man to adult, and how much she enjoyed meeting some of his musical friends.

The last musical number was a rollicking version of When "The Saints Go marching in" with enthusiastic participation from the audience (consisting of firends and family with lots of musicians present.

Finally - before it was time to mingle with everyone. David Saslove presented a slide show he had compiled, made up of favorite pictures of David, lovingly gathered together by Sheila.

What a wonderful way to complete this service, which was as much a celebration of The Dave as it was a farewell.

As we got up from our seats and went to mingle with each other, I had an the overwhelming feeling David Norris Elye - had somehow - managed to weave such a rich fabric of friends and family into both his life, and into all of ours.

On a personal level - I thought about how, through The Dave, I was able to, for the first time, record some songs. Thanks to The Dave, I got hooked up with his long-time friend, the fantastic guitar player and musician - Tim Johns. The Dave and Tim combo got me started on the long, uphill road to writing more, recording more and meeting a ton of other musicians.

It's amazing how many connections lead back to The Dave.

So, while these thoughts were running through my head, I wandered into the meeting area, and within minutes ran into a series of people I knew, who were connected to the Dave, one way or another, but that I had no idea.... so there it was again...................
.....................The Dave Connection

-----------------------

FROM RONNIE KING

Regarding David,
Please accept my deepest condolences. David has been my friend and confidant for over 30 years. I will miss very much his one of a kind talent, unique personality, and character. He was truly a man of the highest integrety and made the world a better place with all his being. For those of us that loved him, thanks to all who helped him through the most difficult time of his life.

My heart is there with all
Condolences and kindest regards to the Norris-Elye family.
Ronnie King


++++++++++++++++++++++++

FROM GISELLE FREDETTE

Goodbye my friend!
I will miss my dear friend and collegue, who was always ready and willing to contribute to my musical ideas. He brought to life all of my original songs on my album "One Voice, Une Voix, Una Voz". You were the"je ne of the sais quoi".

Fly Away and be free, and I look forward to joining you one day in the band of the new world.

God Bless you!

Love Gisèle

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FROM VIVIAN CLEMENT

For all the friends of David who may be wondering how a guy like that got involved in church I will quickly let you know.

My husband Tony had hired David to do a corporate gig up North around 10 years ago (I think)and on the way back home the drummer got onto the topic of spirituality and God. (Musicians! We'll talk about anything!!) Anyway, David was very quick to jump in and mentioned that he had no interest in God or the church. That was fine and it was left at that. We became friends with David and about a year later David called to say he had been diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after that our church (now called Cornerstone a small community church) had what was called Friendship Day and we could invite friends who may be interested in attending church but may not feel comfortable coming in on their own. I had a strong feeling that I should invite David, even though he was very clear on where he stood. I decided to follow my instinct and ask him to come, actually expected him to say no. Well, he definitely surprised me by saying yes, and has attended ever since.

Although David never seemed like the spiritual guy, and was very conservative with his thoughts and feelings, I have personally witnessed a strong belief that began to grow in him. Through his whole sickness, he had a strength that came from deep inside, and He knew that God was really helping him. He is a great example of someone who truly believed and this belief gave him tremendous hope to live each extra day with the best of his ability. Although most of us as musicians dont take this road as far as spirituality goes, I beleive with certainty that David survived as long as he did because of his undying faith. People at cornerstone truly loved him and he felt like this was his second family. I know that he will be truly missed, (particularly his sense of humour!) but he has joined the other great musicians who have passed on and are jammin' in a better place!! No having to set up gear or tear down and the band leader is a great guy!!

Vivian Clement

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FROM KIM ADDISON

It's weird, but when i think about david - i never really spent that much time with him... but despite that - it seems i knew him.

We played together in a band called hollywood. We hung out a little back then... but then went our separate ways. Every couple of years I'd be walking down the street at some festival and I'd hear my name - turn around - and there he was. We never made plans, never called each other on the phone, we would just meet, suprisingly, somewhere. He'd be with Q - me with my Pebbles... Our dogs liked each other. We would then have lunch on a patio, say goodbye - then do the whole thing two years later when we would bump into each other again - at yet another festival...the oakville waterfront... the toronto jazz... this one - that one... this concert in the park - that concert in the park...

He always kept in touch with me... I'd be going through my own crazy freaked out life - and there'd be an email from him every once in a while. keeping in touch, calming me... hey - slow down... how are you... come over... but i never seemed to find the time.

I will miss bumping into David.

Kim Addison
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FROM JULIE HOFFMAN

Most of you won't know who I am, but I thought that I would write this e-mail and express my feelings about yesterday and the little time that I was able to spend with David and get to know him. About four years ago I was studying singing under Gisele Fredette, when she introduced me to David. I went in and recorded a few songs and made my first real demo.

What I have learnt in the past few years is a good producer is someone that is able to interpret what it is that you are trying to say, David did exactly that. He made me believe in my potential, and he was infact my interpreter.

I went through a few hard years following that, my parents had split up, I was trying to find myself as most young adults do, and on top of it I got nodules on my vocal chords. I was devasted...my voice was my confidance, and my music was my therapy, I didn't have those for quite some time. I then decided to pack up my belongings and move to Australia for a year, it was there that I got reconnected with who I was and what it was that I wanted to do.

I came back did a gig in a local bar in Oakville and the feeling was exhilirating. Weeks later I got in contact with David and told him that I wanted to get back in and record. What I didn't have the chance to tell him was that, no matter where I was or what I was doing, I felt that the one demo that I had recorded, was a constant reminder of what I was able to do.

My time in his studio, at his house, with Eq, making music, were some of the fondest memories of my journey. I wish that I would have had more time to sit in that basement, learn about David, and allow him to interpret more of my music. I realized yesterday that there were so many great things that I knew about David, but so many more that I could have known. I guess I just wanted to fill you in on another person that 'The Dave' has touched, in times when I didn't have a voice, or I didn't have the confidence to believe in the music, I always had that time that I spent with David to remind me that nothing was impossible, that I could do it, and there was really someone that always understood...an interpreter.

I really felt that yesterday was a celebration of David's life, and I was happy that I got a chance to witness his influence over other people, much like myself. It is without a doubt that David will live on with each of his in our own way, and for that I am greatful for knowing someone like him.

Julie Hoffmann

------------------------------
From Stephanie

David was my uncle. I only saw him a few time a year as he lived 4 hours away. I remember him always making me laugh with his Donald Duck impressions and he was just always acting goofy. If you look at the music playlist, the song Amanda's Eyes was written for my cousin Amanda when she was around 2.

I'm definitely going to miss him.

--------------------
From: Peter Willis
Date: 23/11/2007

I've been very out of touch with my "Canadian Life" over the past 20 years and have recently become rekindled with many great friends. After living in Los Angeles for 16 years I moved to Manila, Philippines 2 years ago. It put me even further away from some very dear friends and work related buddies.

I worked with David back in Toronto while recording the Pukka Orchestra album and as well, with Trudy Artman on various recordings. We always had a great time together and I've been blessed with several funny, fond, and cherished memories of David which have traveled with me no matter where I went.

I was shocked to read your letter here, and am so truly sad to hear of David's passing. I was so looking forward to sharing a few emails with David upon discovering what I, ignorantly thought to be his MySpace site . . . catching up, and joking about the past. Now . . . wow . . . I'm at a loss for words.

As it's said, life is what happens when were too busy making other plans. I wish I'd had known about David's condition so I could have said something stupid to him just to see that smile one last time. At any rate, his new found peace, and knowledge that his last days with his family were so happy are better than anything I could ever say, or do.

He will always be remembered by me in a cherished way.

Peter Willis

Influences:

Sounds Like:

EULOGIES

Eulogy of Sheila Norris-Elye to David March 24, 2007

Good afternoon everyone and, on behalf of my family, thank you for coming today.

I am Sheila Norris-Elye and am here today to commemorate my beloved brother David.

David was the second of five children born to my parents, Richard and Margaret. The other children are Pat, Michael, me and Anne.

David and I were always especially close. When we were in Germany, David was sent to a summer camp but ended up coming home early because he missed me so much. When we visited David in the hospital in December his childhood memory that he recounted to me was of the two of us sitting on a mountaintop in Switzerland with me on his lap.

Our family memories of David in my youth are around his music. He played clarinet in the high school band and went on a school trip to England. I remember going to the school to see them off. A lot of his friends were also musicians and he had a huge New Years party one year while the rest of the family was out of town. When we returned home we discovered that a piano had "gone thru" the basement wall. David tried hard to pass on his musical talents to me. When I was about 9 or 10 he led a guitar class with me and a few neighbourhood kids. My guitar days ended quickly though because my rabbit Snuffy escaped one day during class and all of the kids ran outside to chase her.

When he was 19 David went off to Western to study music. After one year, he moved to Toronto and has remained there ever since. He joined several bands over the years and it was always cool to have a musician for a brother. Anne and I and our friends would go to all of his Ottawa shows, mostly high school dances back then, but he even played at the National Arts Centre with the Stampeders. During my university days I would often spend March break with David in Toronto. I still remember the thrill of visiting a studio in Pickering while the Stamps were making an album. For some reason, I ended up getting a ride back into Toronto by Ronnie King. I was so nervous and happy.

Besides being a gifted sax and guitar player, composer and producer David had other talents. Many of you will remember how well he spoke Duck. He could talk or sing like Donald Duck and used to entertain my children, nieces and nephews with his duck talk. The kids would say "Again again" whenever David did his Duck talking. When that Disco Duck song came out in the 80s he was so upset because he was planning on doing the same thing. He was also an actor and appeared in many movies and TV shows. I remember when he was in Fly Away Home. I asked him which part he played and he said “3rd duck from the left”.

David’s other talent was the ear piercing ability to blow his nose sounding like an elephant. We always thought that he was going to blow his brains out when we could heard his honk from the farthest reaches of the house.

For the last several years, David would spend Xmas and other holidays at my home when he came back to Ottawa. In 1999 he was too ill to travel and he thinks that he passed out for a day or so. That winter he developed pneumonia and it was in May 2000 (around his 50th birthday) that they started doing tests on him to see what was wrong. In August he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and he underwent the first of two stem-cell transplants that year. David suffered a lot thru the stem-cell transplants and the rounds of chemo. Throughout it all though he never complained. When I would call to see how he was doing, he would always ask how I was. He even asked how I was when he was dying in the hospital.

David went into hospital on December 11th and was moved to Andy and Flo Gravitis’ house on January 14th. My sister, Anne, and I flew to Toronto to witness his death and we all witnessed a miracle instead. That morning before we arrived, David woke up, showered and dressed himself and was sitting at the kitchen table eating a grilled cheese sandwich and a coke with Andy when Flo came down for breakfast. When Anne and I arrived at Andy and Flo's house, David was sitting up in the family room and we were able to have two fantastic days with David. We were able to talk to David about our feelings for him and we told him how proud we all were of his perseverance and strength. He told Anne that he wanted her to know he was not afraid of dying. He was sad about what had happened but was not afraid.

That move to Andy and Flo's was a Godsend. David was able to visit again with friends, get his dog EQ back, dream about the future and come to terms with what was eventually going to happen. His last day was peaceful, surrounded by family and friends. He didn't suffer and was surrounded by love and affection when he died. There could be no better place on earth for David to pass on. Thank God that David had the opportunity to stay with Andy and Flo. He got an extra few weeks surrounded by love and comfort that none of us could have possibly dreamed of.

This experience has been life changing for many of us here today. The main thing that I learned is the importance of family and friends. We all witnessed the power of love and prayer. I truly believe that that is what kept David hanging on for as long as he did. We got to meet many great people whom we would have never met otherwise. We got to reiterate to David our love for him and to hear him communicate his love back to us.

I want to thank everyone who helped David over these last few months. David had so many wonderful friends including: Andy and Flo Gravitis, Doctor David Saslove, Jo and Brian McKinney, Brenda Rodrigue, Heather and Andre Roy, Sheron Alton and Dan Leonhardt, Bert Steen, Yohanna Vanderkley, Gisele Fredette, Elaine O'Neil, Wayne Derby, Renee Knight, Marilyn Pytka, Randy Milliken and Tony Laviola. There were countless others who I spoke to or emailed and I want you to know that your support was very comforting to me and my family. Special thanks to the palliative care staff at Credit Valley Hospital and to David’s doctors – Benjamin, Kaiser, Meyers, Sauls and Schwartz. Also thanks to personal support workers Maureen and Jean. And finally, thanks to Pastor Terence and the Cornerstone Church community for taking David into their fold.

When David was nearing the end, I started to gather photos of him to prepare a slideshow for his funeral. Anne mentioned this to David and asked him to name a favourite song. The song that he chose is Reflections. Anne asked David if he wanted to view the slideshow and he said that he would wait to “watch it from the other side”. David Saslove kindly spent this past week putting the slideshow together for us. Thank you David.

I know that my David is watching right now so I want to say to you David that "I love you and will hold my memories of you in my heart for ever. I am happy that you are no longer suffering and I know that you will always be there for me, as you always have been."

As Brian McKinney said to me “David suffered his hell here on earth. He will pass quickly into Heaven.”

Now let us all watch the show with David and then celebrate his life. As David requested in his will “I want the service to be a celebration of my life, not a morbid stuffy event.  Be happy that I'm no longer there to fester you and make fun of you.  Now it's your turn, I can take it... after all I'm dead.... have a laugh on me!"

Thank you

Sheila Norris-Elye

--------------------------------

Eulogy of David Saslove to David Norris-Elye

David Norris-Elye – A Celebration of a Musical Life

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is David Saslove (aka dr-dave), and I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying “The Dave’s” wry wit and great sense of humour, as one of his closest friends, since we met in December of 1969. Forever a true pragmatist, Dave came to terms with his mortality, in his typically organized way, early on in his illness. From the very onset to the final stages, Dave remained OK with it all and it was his wish that we not be sad or downtrodden here today. In fact, in his will he states that he wants this to be a celebration of his life and that we should be happy because he’s not here to “fester” us any more; and so it is with love, humility and honour that I stand before you to say a few words to help celebrate the life of our beloved friend.

Very quickly after meeting David, we decided we needed to join a band together, so we did - in the summer of 1970 (it was “Jimmy Young & his Psycho-Soul Revue” – black & gold pinstripe suits, white shoes, dance steps…the whole “kit & caboodle”…and yes it really was quite a hoot!). Ever since then Dave & I have playing, writing and producing music together. We have been each other’s go-to person for any technical or computer related problem solving for so long, that it’s hard to imagine that I will now have to allocate this to memory.

At the end of that same summer 1970, Dave & I travelled out West with some friends and Dave changed my musical life…(when) he taught me how to finger-pick acoustic guitar. I’ve always loved the beautiful and unique quality of Dave’s guitar playing, so even then I knew I was being given a treasured gift. Now as you know, Dave was a very humble guy and never really thought of himself as a great guitarist, but on that point we differed…what a gorgeous sense of harmony he had and his acoustic style was wonderful…I have always loved it!

When I met Dave, he was studying music at UWO and was predominantly a virtuoso clarinetist with the most impeccable ear I had ever experienced. He was able to hear music and see it written as he listened, so he was a natural to transfer his virtuosity to all the Saxes, quickly becoming known (particularly to himself) as “the John Denver of Saxophone”. Of course, as you all know, this led him to pursue an active & successful professional career as a horn player. Over the years Dave has been a member of a number of excellent and well-known bands - most noteworthy were the Stampeders, Long John Baldry, The Downchild Blues Band, Justin Paige Band, Last Dash For Cash Band, the George Oliver Band, The Robert E. Lee Brigade & The Mike McKenna Band. David was also a sideman in Cano (Masque), The Drifters, Goddo, The Cement City Stompers, Daisy Debolt, Fraser & Debolt, The Meteors, Nightfly and many others. Most recently he has played with buddies Andy & Bert in the truly great 905 Band, and for a number of years Dave has held the sax chair in a band close to my heart, Slice of Life, with whom he played his last gig June 7, 2006.

Now not only has Dave been a terrific live performer, he was an ACTRA member having done over 600 shoots and he also made many TV & film appearances as a background performer. Dave was a composer, arranger, engineer and producer with a great passion for recording and he loved to spend hours in the studio. Dave contributed his considerable performance talent on many recordings, too many to mention here, but you can check it out easily, by doing a “Google” search on David Norris-Elye and from there find his website, where his Bio and numerous credits are noted. The Dave engineered & produced albums for other great performers, like his very close friend Gisele Fredette (recently finishing her “One Voice” CD – a project he truly loved).

For me the culmination of his creativity can be found in the two albums he wrote, arranged & produced – “Mist Over Juan De Fuca” and “Sweet Rain”, both of which were also wonderful collaborative efforts. Dave loved having his musical friends add their unique talents to his music. Frequently, those of us privileged enough to join him, would add our parts without ever seeing the other contributors, in fact many of us only just met while visiting Dave in the hospital. This is classic DNE: often preferring to relate in a one-to-one or small group; socially I liken the Dave to being the hub of a wheel, with many spokes joined to us all and I’ve come to appreciate that through “the Dave” we will always remain connected.

As evidenced by his studio nickname “Irritate the Dave Productions”, our friend could be hard headed, impatient and an irascible sot at times…but always loveable, and he charmed us all with that terrific sense of humour and wit, which he maintained throughout all his trials and tribulations. David’s two marriages brought him some of his sweetest & most happy times but eventually some of his most difficult. Fortunately, he found a devoted companion – his life-line – who loved him unconditionally - his little buddy “EQ” aka “Cudles”, who helped him battle the inevitability and fear of the Multiple Myeloma. His love for “Q” was unprecedented - a wonderful sight to behold!

Earlier I mentioned David played with The 905 Band - well just this past Feb.3rd we all had the pleasure of seeing this great band with “The Dave” himself at the Boston Manor. It was quite a celebration of Dave’s recent window of improved health, and this outing, to a club nonetheless, was nothing short of a miracle!

Let me explain - When Dave was hospitalized in December, he had all but given up; he was just plain tired of being sick. In the following days all of his friends rallied, came to visit and there is no question Dave reconnected, regaining his spirit and his will to live. So despite the fact that he was very ill, almost constantly asleep, not eating or drinking much, Multiple Myeloma throughout his bone marrow, literally on death’s door and medically not expected to live past the Dec. 17th weekend, David played a different song. He hung in there over the next weeks and we were even able to get him out of the hospital (ostensibly to die at Andy & Flo’s home). We don’t really know what happened but Dave’s interminable and recently rejuvenated spirit, coupled with the team of selfless, caring and energy healing friends including Flo, Andy & Brenda, brought our friend back to the world of the living. We were given a great gift – David became incredibly lucid and emotionally connected, the likes of which we had never seen (before). It was truly unbelievable!

The other day our friend, Tom Lockwood remarked to me that: “no matter what was going on in his life, David always maintained his love of music and especially the creative process.” And I think Tom really found the tone of our strong bond with Dave when he recalled that we had “some really great times - with a like-minded soul - doing what we loved to do - make music”.

It’s impossible to sum up anyone’s life in a few words, and all of us who were privileged to have David Norris-Elye in our lives can only treasure his life and memory in our own private way. I know my life will be very different without him - but he is all over my life…in my music, my family life and in my heart.

I’d like to close by sharing something a very wise man and a most influential mentor, my Grandfather Saul Saslove, once told me when I asked him about his view of immortality - and he said that “you will live on forever in the hearts, minds and memories of those you touch”. I can honestly say that “The Dave” definitely touched us all!

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Eulogy by Louise Peacock to David March 24, 2007

This is both sad occasion and yet a joyous one. David was a very special person. I met him roughly 10 years ago, at a gig we were all at - he came and sat at our table and we hit it off immediately. He and my husband (a computer geek) had a great time hashing over computers and recording equipment. We all had a giggle cutting up the band. A few weeks after, David emailed me to invite us to "tea". A friendship was forged.

We met for Chinese buffet. We would always get there early, and there might be only two other customers there - Dave would look around horrified and say "Quick, let's get to the buffet before the rest of them get all the food!" During our many lunches, we had a great time cutting up our various musician friends, and talked about our pets.

After he got out of computers, David asked me to help him re-vamp his web page. He had just gone through his first stem cell transplant and had recently acquired Q. Always mindful of being careful with money - he offered to give me studio time in exchange for web services. As a result - I was able to get some songs recorded - (they were awful) for the first time in my life. This gave me the push to keep on writing and recording.

When David found out that I am a horticulturist he asked for some chemical help with a couple of problem small trees. Some entertaining afternoons were spent dealing with pests and disease on his plants and being chased by angry wasps. Dave would buy me lunch when I did the garden thing for him.

I will miss visiting David, having lunches with him, gossiping about our mutual musician friends and playing with my little bud, Q. But, much as I will miss him, I am grateful that he was finally released from his pain. And, I thankful that he died peacefully, surrounded by loving friends and family.

I will miss him.

Record Label:

unsigned

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