ECLIPSE

In a former life, I was heavily involved in music. I began taking piano lessons in 10th grade, and by the time I got to college I'd acquired my first synthesizer and was playing with the first of several bands which were to come. Their styles were rather different; my first band was sort of a standard-80's type rock sound. Later on, I also experimented with both subdued, atmospheric sounds as well as a very tightly-written electronic approach. But throughout all of my musical explorations, you can trace my influences to two or three accomplished musicians.

One of them was Richard Wright, of Pink Floyd.

Wright was a master of layering subtle tones, and had a distinct talent for creating melodies and jazz-style chord progressions. Though he wasn't one of the more public members of the group, this seemed to be just how he wanted it. He was a rather private person, and preferred to see his music as a craft and not a complete lifestyle.

Though Gilmour and Waters are the best-known faces of Pink Floyd, albums like "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here" are unquestionably filled with Wright's contributions. Gilmour's guitar is always easily recognized, and Waters' sardonic vocals are a trademark... but it was Wright's work that helped created such musical classics as "The Great Gig in the Sky" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".

Rick Wright died yesterday, at the age of 65.

Light seems a bit dimmed today.

He will be missed.