Oct 26, 2007
- silver and gold we are young we are old and time takes time takes time takes time -
Today, friends and family are gathered in Saint John, NB to say an unexpected goodbye to an incredibly talented young woman named Ericka Low. I met Ericka at the ECMAs in PEI in 2006 after my showcase when she came running after me to find out where to buy my CD. The Saint John String Quartet, of which she was a member, was nominated for an award that year. I remember when the ECMAs were over she emailed me saying how it was nice to meet me and I emailed back saying we should play together someday.
In the spring of 2007 I was heading to Saint John to play a couple of shows at Sessions and I couldn’t find Ericka’s email and then magically a friend of hers emailed me and put us in touch. I went to Ericka’s house the day before the show and her and I and Chris Buckley (also of the quartet) practiced a couple songs all together. When we were done I told Ericka about this idea I had for a song called “One Love”. It’s kind of a sad lament and I wanted her to play the most devastating notes she could find on her viola. She worked with me for an hour and a half till we were giddy as children about what we’d put together.
She played beautifully at two shows, May 6th and 7th and she even stepped outside her classical training when I dragged her up on stage for a sing-a-long rendition of the traditional bluegrass tune “Pig in a Pen”. I know those who were there at those shows remember this moment well.
I only just saw Ericka when she came to support me back at Sessions just last month. I was so excited to see her and we exchanged huge hugs and she sat right up front.
For those of us who experienced the spirit of Ericka in our lives and the sense of pure joy felt when around her, may we keep that alive. Generous, talented, kind and a ball of fire, Ericka Low, you are missed. Here’s to you.
rose
