Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Deva Mahal, Billy Strings & Many Others Honor James Casey
Read many of the messages shared from around the world of music in response to James Casey’s passing.
By Scott Bernstein Aug 29, 2023 • 7:46 am PDT
While a day has passed since James Casey died, the music world is still reeling from the loss of the Trey Anastasio Band saxophonist. Casey was not only an incredibly talented musician, he was an even better human being. So it’s no surprise tributes and remembrances have come flooding onto social media from artists who have shared memories, tributes, condolences and other words they never expected to have to write so soon.
The age of 40 is way too young for somebody to shuffle off this mortal coil and those missing James could best honor Casey’s memory by undergoing colon cancer screenings. Even if you’re not of the age when screenings are recommended know your family history and the signs and get checked out. Casey was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2021.
James Casey has been a vital part of the Trey Anastasio Band’s sound since the Washington D.C. native first took the stage with the ensemble on October 18, 2012 in Detroit, cementing a lineup that was in place until founding TAB bassist Tony Markellis’ death in 2021. Casey added a new color to Anastasio’s palette with his sweet and powerful vocal abilities. But it was his saxophone skills that made James a “force of nature” in the words of the guitarist. The TAB horn section of Casey, Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman had instant chemistry that was palpable from that fateful night in Detroit through their final tour together last fall.
Trey Anastasio was among the first of many musicians to pay tribute to James after the heartbreaking news was announced. He wrote a beautiful note about what Casey meant to him both as a musical collaborator and a friend. James’ TAB bandmate Cyro Baptista also honored James Casey with a remembrance as did Bill Kreutzmann, Dave Matthews, Marc Brownstein, Deva Mahal, Oteil Burbridge, Billy Strings, Erini, Jeff Coffin and many others. Additionally, bands including Lettuce, Umphrey’s McGee, Spafford and Soulive shared memories of James Casey.
Scroll below to read many tributes to James Casey from across the music world:
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