Death of Guy Babylon
September 24th, 2009
I was greatly saddened to learn of the recent death of Guy Babylon. I had only just started to talk about how influential Babylon Bleu was to me as a writer and keyboard player. Sometimes it seems there is no justice.
I guess it is somewhat fitting that he did leave us with one last example of his brilliance – with video too.
Here is the video of a Guy Babylon composition Las Vegas Twister which once again he displays his mastery on all instruments. Yet again he plays some excellent synth guitar via his clavinet with the Castlebar tremolo arm. The world of music needs more of this kind of genius.
Las Vegas Twister from Guy Babylon on Vimeo.
Oh wow, this is sad news.
Perhaps ten years ago, I typed “Babylon Bleu” into an early search engine — it might not even have been Google — and got no hits. I wondered what had happened to the winner of that Keyboard Magazine talent contest, surely he must have gone on to an interesting career?
Ten years later, I try my search again — and boy, did he EVER go places. And he’s gone already, too? Not fair, as you said. I’m glad to hear that he made a life of music, though. If anyone deserved to do so, it was him.
I had never heard “Las Vegas Twister” before, but it is totally in the same class as “Babylon Bleu.” If Mr. Babylon’s estate ever considers releasing recordings of these compositions, count me among the buyers.