This is about Bill Gunter...my good friend, who was Cell Block 7's, like he always said, 'percussionist' then a guffaw/laugh, like everyone knows a washboard isn't a drum-set!

But HE WAS a very innovative percussionist, with his 'Stradivarius washboard' that just oozed, like he said, 'sensitivity, warmth, and feeling, because it's held right next to your heart, not like a cornet or clarinet or trombone, but close to your heart'.

Bill was always quick to state that HIS washboard, was made by Antonio Stradivari himself, in 1710, and it was insured for.....long, long pause..... 'thirteen dollars and eighty-five cents!'

Bill was Cell Block 7's mike-man, childishly funny, seriously funny, but always with a smile that warmed up every jazz fan in the venue, what ever size it was.

His legendary humorous stories, his clever vocals, his whole persona, showed his deep love of life and fun! Although members of Cell Block 7 had heard his jokes many times, they were still always funny! Perfect timing and delivery!

Cell Block 7 will never stop reeling from the loss of this fantastic person...every time we perform, he will always be with us!

I think I can speak for everyone who knew him in the jazz world, he was THE MAN!

                                                              Bob Romans