David Peirce Carlson

Prominent Bellingham jazz musician, much admired piano technician and blue water sailor, David Peirce Carlson, died August 8 at age 68, of an unexpected heart attack.

David was born in Oakland, California to C. Kenneth Carlson and Margaret (Peirce) Carlson. After graduating from Ventura High School in California, David became a member of the US Navy Band in Washington DC and toured on the USS Enterprise. He was then as now known for his trombone and string bass jazz skills as well as his highly emotive classical keyboard interpretations of Chopin, Beethoven and Granados. He had played with such jazz greats as Stan Kenton and James Brown and studied trombone with Bob Brookmeyer.

Most recently David had been enjoying leading his local jazz band Grooveyard. David made his living as a highly respected piano technician and tuner being able to make even the most wanting instruments sing. The highlight of his life began in 1998 when he and his wife spent six years sailing the South Pacific on their wooden 41 foot sailboat, Red Wing.

David will always be remembered for his quick wit, personal charm and encyclopedic knowledge of songs and lyrics. He particularly loved giving his friends impromptu renditions of the songs of musical satirist, Tom Lehrer.

David is survived by his wife and soul-mate of 42 years, Mary Lee (Wilson) Carlson; Nephew Michael Carlson of Seattle; and Cousins Howard and Paul Carlson of Reno, Nevada.

A private memorial will be held for friends and family.