Memories of Krishnaswami Ramachandran Azad

In memory of

Krishnaswami Ramachandran Azad

Denver, CO, USA

August 8, 1993 - May 20, 2021

Aug 8, 1993 - May 20, 2021

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Mindi DePaola

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Maria Whitcomb

2010, Stanford University, Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, USA

I met K.R. really only briefly in the summer of 2010 at Stanford Jazz Workshop. When I met him, he was wearing a bright red t-shirt that said "Communist Party" on it, on which was a cartoon of Mao, Stalin, Marx and others of that ilk wearing party hats and playing kazoos. I remember bursting out laughing at the shirt, clapping a hand over my mouth as a self-conscious 15 year old, only to be met with a full-throated laugh that rivaled my own ten fold. This adorable man then introduced himself to me as "K.R.". Of course I shortly learned that he was as charming, giving, and quick-witted onstage behind the drum kit as he was in person.

I did not know him for very long, nor did I keep in touch as well as I should have, but K.R. was part of a group of guys that summer that let an awkward teenage girl sit with them at lunch, made sure I always had someone to sit with in Advanced Theory when I had no idea what Coltrane changes were, and who helped push me up onstage during jam sessions when I was too shy to step up myself. Looking back, that summer was the beginning of my journey of standing in my power as an artist. It gave me courage, and I am not sure I would be where I am in my musical career today without that first push of vital encouragement from that lovely group of guys. I am still learning to be brave, Azad, but I'll be brave for you. Love and light to you always. I will see you in the audience the next time I'm onstage.

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