"We don't know that one, but we will play one with a lot of the same notes" -VB
Vic Bland was my High School music teacher at Northern Secondary School from 1980 to 1985. He taught my brother Jan trumpet and myself alto saxophone. He was always fair but tough and taught us that you had to put the work in to not only gain but appreciate the rewards.
After losing touch for about 30 years Vic showed up at The Rex on a Sunday while I was onstage performing with The Excelsior Jazz Band. I couldn't be sure it was him when he walked in but on the break he came up to me and with that unmistakable Vic Bland voice said "I see you're still laying that crappy King alto". Indeed, I had not changed horns in all my years of playing. We got to talking and he invited me to join The Moncrest Big Band, to brush up on my reading ("It can only make you more employable" he'd say).
Soon after we were hanging out pretty regular, I'd drop by his place on Dunkirk Ave in the east end for a quick lesson, listen to some tunes, have a beer and talk about music. This was years after he had retired from education but he still had so much to give. He gave me so much.
Vic entrusted me with his book. He led The Vic Lawrence Orchestra and The Vic Lawrence Seven through the 70s, 80s and 90s and beyond and since his eyesight was failing he wanted me to have his "Book" of arrangements. This was quite the honour and for the next three years I assembled a great band to play his arrangements (and others) and Vic would conduct on stage and play a couple of features on clarinet. My brother Jan joined the Montcrest band and later joined The renewed Vic Lawrence 7.
Covid hit and we didn't get to see each other at all over the last year and a half. We kept in touch on the phone, however, and made plans for a barbecue and the band's rebirth. Alas, it was not to be. I'm really going to miss you Vic. You were the real deal, you gave so much and you never gave up on me, as long as I put the work in.
Vic was 87 years young.
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