AL RACKETTI

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AL "the Windin Boy" RACKETTI October 8, 1946 - October 26, 2000 No Formal Service On October 26, shortly before noon, the world lost a wonderful human being and a fantastic guitarist. Al leaves to mourn his passing, one son, Miles and many friends and former students. Also Helena Purves whom he always referred to as "Maw". Al was the total package as a musician/teacher. Anything he taught was carefully researched and accurate. When he played he always paid as much attention to historical authenticity as to the genuine spirit of the music, be it roots blues or old time/ragtime jazz. He was also a pure folk singer in that, though he never wrote songs as such, his interpretations were always original. Being a folk/jazz player meant to Al that you had to play for people every day, and to that end Al would go out daily if he wasnt booked somewhere indoors, and busk the streets of whatever city or town he happened to be in. In addition to his music Al had a lifelong love of pencil/pen and ink drawing which he pursued until his accident, and leaves behind a wealth of memories on paper. during his time in Thunder Bay, Ont., Al started doing "folk" carvings in hotel soap with toothpicks and his thumb nail. These were mostly scenes of Thunder Bay. There will be no formal funeral but in keeping with Als wishes his ashes will be scattered in full view of the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay, where he spent so many memorable times in his life. A Memorial/Wake will be held at the site of his last gig, the Blue Note Cafe on Portage at Arlington for his friends and former students. There will be farewell songs from his friends throughout the night, starting at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 14. In place of flowers, please give money to buskers when you pass by.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2000