We used to call him "Cannonball Dundy" behind his back because he sounded a lot like an Australian version of Cannonball Adderley but the truth was that Andrew had his own sound which was amazing and left a lasting impact on the Bay Area and global Jazz community. As a former student and friend I can remember countless ways Andrew's wisdom helped me in my development and understanding of the technical demands of Jazz also known as Black American Music. I remember how on the bandstand he would play 30 choruses on a blues and never run out of ideas always playing music that was fresh and original. True genius! I always knew that I had to bring my "A game" when playing with Andrew. He taught me how to play in a big band, the role of the acoustic bass as a reference for dynamics within a jazz ensemble and also much of the history of jazz. After attending the celebration of life event at Broadway Grill in Burlingame it was amazing to see how many different lives Andrew had influenced. He raised the standard for musicianship within in the Bay Area music scene and I am so glad I had the opportunity to know and play music with him. I only wish he could have stayed with us longer and had gotten help rather than ending things the way he did. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends. RIP Andrew Speight.
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