RIP Bruce McGrath

Quincy saxophonist Bruce "The Goose" McGrath, a regular figure on the local blues and rock scene for more than three decades, as well as a former member of Bellevue Cadillac, The Love Dogs, The Mike Garvey Band, and Sam Gentile & Basic Black, died Thursday. McGrath, whom friends said had been battling pneumonia recently, was slated to play a gig in Taunton Thursday night, part of his usual busy schedule of performing with a wide range of bands.

McGrath, who had previously lived in Hanson and Rockland, lived near downtown Quincy, where friends became concerned when they couldn't reach him, and discovered the veteran musican dead in his bed. Even when he had a gig elsewhere, McGrath would often finish off his Thursday nights at the weekly blues jam at Mari's Place in Quincy, within walking distance of his apartment.

Last night's jam at the Quincy club was packed with many friends and fans gathering to absorb the sad news. McGrath is believed to have passed away without any close family, and Mari's Place is raising money to give him a proper funeral and grave marker. Last night's blues jam raised $600 towards McGrath's final expenses, and music fans will be able to contribute to his memory all weekend. Last night's blues jam included many tributes to McGrath, none more moving than the version of "Soulshine" sung by Garvey, with Russ Costa and Jon Finn on guitar, and nary a dry eye in the house.

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