Monty Stark all the way on the far right.

I was saddened yesterday, when I logged on to my Facebook and saw this:

“To All Concerned. It is with great sadness that I inform you of Monty’s passing. Monty left us all in the early evening of Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Monty courageously battled Cancer on his own terms, seeking not to endure the pain of the usual therapy, but went his own way at Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lived out his last several weeks. I was honored to be his friend.”

Condolences were posted by Monty’s friend, Dennis Sexton, Phoenix, AZ.

I put a call into the Stones Throw publicists office, but got no return call. It was confirmed on Soul Strut later that afternoon. For those of you who didn’t know, Monty was part of a band called The Stark Reality with members Phil Morrison, John Abercrombie, and Vinnie Johnson. Beatheads and crate digger’s remember him as the kick ass vibes player sampled by Large Professor, J-Live, Madlib, Main Source and Black Eyed Peas. His music was rediscovered and brought back to life by Stones Throw Records in present times. I did not know Monty, but had seen many conversations with him on the Strut. From what I saw he was a kind man, who was happy to talk about the old days, sampling, and his music career. I was really sad, even though I was not close to him. He seemed like a guy who lived by his own rules and made everyone around him happy. Rest in Peace Monty Stark, may your music and legacy live on. Keep Diggin’!

I plan on doing a review of the Stark Reality in the very near future.