George L. Schroeder

In Loving Memory

We've created this page to celebrate the unique tapestry of loves and passions that defined George's journey through life. Please enjoy these pictures, favorite songs, original music, and a few of his final thoughts and fondest memories.

Slideshow

Photo Gallery

Original Music Written and Performed by George

Weapons of Bass Distinction - 2016 LP

Other Interests

In addition to music, George was also very fond of some of these other pastimes

George's Final Reflections

George's passion for music created a unique catalog in his mind, where memories and songs were intertwined. In his final months, he noted a few of these in his own words, and those thoughts and songs are shared below as part of his final testament. 

Open your ears to hear these songs and their stories that are close to my heart, and may move you too!

To start, a quick note to my beloved brother Pat: Pat while I'll always treasure our times seeing and getting to know the great Allan Holdsworth, I've always felt that he was your guy, while mine remained Jack Bruce! With that being said, here's the 1st prayer/song offering - Jack's epic "Theme For An Imaginary Western". In the mid-70's I was in a funk-disco band - Brass Rail - doing the hits of the day - Kool and the Gang, Earth Wind + Fire, Ohio Players, etc…, but in the middle of the set the band liked the way I did this one and it was added to the set list! Strange! But I was happy to do it since Jack was my hero! Around this same time I met Terry Wengert! Not only did she come to the club dates but would show up for rare one nighter gigs! It got to the point where I'd go "What are you doing here?" She'd reply "I like your band, and I like that one 'Western Song' you sing!" Gee Terry, flattery will get you everywhere! So I've always felt that Jack's great song directly or indirectly put us on the path of our long life together. Enjoy Jack's epic song!

Next my intro to the jazz world thanks to Jack with his LP "Things We Like", here's the stunning and beautiful "Born to be Blue", with the lesson being there's all kinds of great music to be heard! As an aside this stellar tune was co-written by the great Mel Torme! So enjoy this classic "jazz standard". An instrumental can be moving!

Next is Jack's moving tribute to sax great Charlie Parker, but like a lot of Jack's songs, they can be very personalized! The "A" section for me is the constant hunt for gigs and band jobs, practicing to stay sharp! And the "B" side is those who have left us, watching from above and hoping our continuing journey is a smooth one. And for some strange reason the song harkens be back to November 1968 when we, against all odds, saw Cream - a night that changed my life! Thank you Mike! But back to Jack and his stirring "Bird Alone"! What a talent and what a voice!

Now we'll go to the great Gary Booker and Procol Harum with Homburg! The Eastdale Road and Wynbrook Road gang will identify with the chorus of this song, because it sure harkens back to an 8 to 9-and-a-half year old Georgie hopping off the school bus after a hard day at "Our Lady of Fatima", shirt tail out, fly down, tie on the side of the collar, shoes untied! Mr. Booker got me to a "tee"! And the second verse reminds us that mankind is full of ego and accomplishment, but we will never harness TIME! The only thing we can do is ride the stream of time. Time cannot be conquered. Proof? How about the classic line "Your time is up!" Didn't know I could get so deep, huh? Great song for you to reflect on.

Sending Jimi's great tune to Mom: I can't recall if it was in Eastwood or Rosedale but Mom was doing laundry so I coaxed her into the room with the old grey record player and got on her last nerve with a blast of Purple Haze. So I dropped the needle down but to my chagrin it's the guitar intro to The Wind Cries Mary. I had the B side of the LP! Got ready to stop it, but let it go. Well, Mom stood still for the whole song looking at me, when it was over she declared "That was beautiful". I said "See Mom, Jimi is cool!" Then the rockin' + romping "Fire" comes on and Mom bolts stating "I gotta finish these clothes!" But it was so nice that Mom's first hearing of Hendrix was "That was beautiful," and the joke was on me! Hey Mom can I have one of those towels to wipe the egg off my face? As an aside also like the fact that the "real" name of my wife is evoked throughout the song - Mary!

The Moody Blues may seem to be an odd pick, but they fit the story perfectly! Harken back to Mike and I that November night we went to see Cream. Well, Mike got in, and fortune looking down on me, so did I. Got a $4 ticket for $2! Found my seat all the way in the back as high as you could go. Who cares? I'm in. So a guy - Terry Reid - is playing, but I'm too busy taking in the whole picture, I just noticed that it was loud, thinking "Good, Cream will be nice and loud!" So a guy announces "Well we thought they would be late, but they made it - The Moody Blues!" They tore into their set. Now I'm on the edge of my seat. Great harmonies, and where am I hearing backing cellos and violins from? Really was familiar with two of their tunes - "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Ride My See-Saw". Realizing these guys are good, they thunder into Ride My See-Saw and the place is rockin'! Half way through, suddenly the Civic Center PA cuts out and the sound goes from really loud to like a fait transistor radio sound. I'm on my feet now and a split second later, the crowd went nuts all in admiration of the Moody's, who hadn't stopped playing. They were so into it, they weren't going to let a broken down PA deter them! A good lesson was learned: that determination and enthusiasm can take you a long way! Though Cream came on to destroy me, I never forgot how well the Moody's played on this fabulous night. Well done chaps, so enjoy this rockin romp and notice the positive and happy tone of this great song! (I know Cindy likes it!)

You may need hankies or kleenex if you haven't had any out yet, loved The Beatles, so many great tunes, but decided on George's "Isn't It A Pity". Fabulous song and this live all-star version is really stellar, with Clapton singing the first verse, then turning it over to the great Billy Preston with that wonderful soulful voice, then he takes us to George Harrison. Just had to be a wonderful person to be able to write this wonderful song!

Back to Mr. Gary Brooker with "A Salty Dog" - a stunning ode to the voyage of life. Takes us all to that place… no human place at all! This beautiful song speaks for itself! I also like the chirping seagulls at the end; they remind me of my beloved Fort McHenry, which then reminds me of my wonderful fort friend, Amanda.

True to form, not gonna leave you with wailing and gnashing of teeth, as the Graham Bond Organization comes roaring right at you like a runaway train - no wonder… that's Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker driving the rhythm section! Also it didn't take long for Jack and Ginger to morph into Cream along with Clapton. So here's GBO with their version of the big Ray Charles hit "What'd I Say". And trying to follow crazy Graham… just when you think it's over… it's not! All right, you got the note - here we go - yeah yeah!

I hope you've enjoyed this chance to reflect and rejoice in the music. I couldn't have asked for a greater family and group of friends. I love you all.

George wanted us to share a collage of these pictures and this final wish to remember him, as he put it, "fat, happy, and doing what I love best".