ALVIN (AL) SPRINTZ

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I met Al many years ago when I had an artist studio in his building. He often spoke of the Exchange District way back when, his son Gary and his beloved late wife. With his faithful buddy Lacy always by his side he left an impenetrable void because there will never be anyone like him...ever! He was the coolest cat I knew and I will miss him dearly. Goodnight Al, goodnight Lacy - Posted by: wanda luna () on: Jul 25, 2012

• The last time I saw Al Sprintz was a Saturday afternoon at Pembie's and only learned of his passing this week when my friend Val St. Germain called me long distance. It was my good fortune to sing repeat performances, with Al Sprintz's band when he hired me to sing with his band, at the old Club Morrocco, two times following my first performances in Canada. He was warm, generous especially considering those were my first gigs as a vocalist. It must have been trying for the man, because I didn't even have decent charts; still backed by such fine musicians as Dave, Del and Bill. I took the money and ran. Al was a fine artist and man of integrity. Al, you set the stakes high in musicianship and respect for other artists. June Harris - Posted by: June Harris () on: Apr 03, 2012

• I knew this time would come, where I would lose a friend, a teacher, a mentor and most of all, because I lost my father at an early age, someone that I could approach for fatherly advice with any problems I had. I have the greatest respect for Al for taking a chance to give me my first real big break in the music business and to work with the legendary Al Sprintz Quartet. That band consisted of Dave Jandrisch, keyboard, Hugh Currie, bass, and later Bill Brandt on bass & trombone. Sprintz was a tough task master. It had to be done, and done right. Working with him and the great musicians that Sprintz always surrounded himself with, brought this introverted person out of his shell. Sprintz pushed me to improve my music reading skills, and with all his musical talent and know how, helped me to become a better musician, especially relaying, to me, all his knowledge of working with singers, dancers, and Entertainers in general to make me one of the better club drummers. Sprintz had that look, The Look! Everyone knew of that look. If you ever worked with him, it was a look that could turn Medusa to stone. If I was playing using sticks, and he decided I should use brushes, he would slowly turn his head, give me that look, and before he would blink, I would drop the sticks and pick up the brushes without losing a beat, although he still had that soft spot, because I would see him turn to Dave, and with a smile peeking past his saxophone mouthpiece, would give a little wink to Dave and we would continue on. Sprintz, with Harry Smith ( Club Morocco Owner ) would quite often go Stateside and bring back entertainers for the club on a regular basis, but Sprintz made sure that every second and third Entertainer, Harry would have to hire and use local talent. Sprintz was instrumental in giving many a singer, dancer, entertainer and musician their first chance in the business. I, along with many people are going to miss him and everything he has done for others whether it was musical or not, he was tough, but very approachable. It's unfortunate that a lot of people that were associated with Sprintz musically are gone, there are only a few of us left, but the memories and Love the few of us left have for Al more than makes up for the ones who are not here to do the same. I, fortunately, still have the pictures, some Morocco audio tapes, plus the radio shows we did for CBC to keep the memories alive if the memories ever start slipping. I miss you Al Sprintz, and when we meet again I hope you will ask me to play in your band again. Jim - Posted by: Jim "Stix" McEwen (Cir. 1960 Drummer with Sprintz Quartet, Club Morocco) on: Mar 20, 2012

• Al was one of a kind, a terrific musician, shmoozer, and he looked after me all the times I went to the Club alone. Made sure no one bothered me, He was a true gentleman. I will miss you more now than I did over the past few years. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: ROSALIE (SHAW) LARCOMBE (worked at the Morocco with Al starting in 1958?) on: Mar 17, 2012