Anyone in Maui can hire Don V. Lax, a violinist, to play music at events like weddings or dinners or I guess bat mizvahs. He’s got a Web site you can go to to contact the guy and book him. In his biography, he has this to say:
Since moving to America, he has performed and recorded with numerous jazz, folk and rock musicians, and also with symphony, opera, ballet, and chamber groups. His credits include playing in orchestras for such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald and Pavarotti, opening for Rickie Lee Jones, recording on CD’s with Airto, Paul McCandless and Michael Manring, and many others.
Fitzgerald and Pavarotti, sure. Everyone knows them. I don’t think I know who Rickie Lee Jones is and I’ve never once in my life heard of the other folks.
Did you know that Don V. Lax is the same Don V. Lax credited with “additional violin” on Camper Van Beethoven’s flawless and incredible Key Lime Pie album of 1989? Morgan Fichter was the woman put in the actual band’s lineup, but other than the rather grating violin on “Pictures of Matchstick Men” and the mostly forgettable violin on “Flowers” she was just a young fresh face.
The gypsy melody and quick tremolos that carry “Opening Theme”? That’s Don V. Lax. The incessant dirge at the end of “June”? That’s Don V. Lax. All of “Humid Press of Days”? Lax. If it’s a sound that made me fall in love with CVB at age 13, it came from his violin. Who knows who wrote the music, but does it matter?
Mauians! Your wedding could be filled with such music! I wonder if he does live-karaoke house parties. If I lived in Maui I’d spend all my money on this. And then I’d hog him while we did a live rundown of Key Lame Pie. I’d make my guests listen until they left, round track two.
Oh, and he plays the hurdy-gurdy, too, for all you Donovan fans.
He should list CVB among his bona fides!
Just met Don in Maui trying to learn more about the violin. I fell in love with his music, violin, way of life but mostly his way of being. He is an incredible person! No wonder his music sings to our souls!