Be Free
6Aug2010 Filed under: Day To Day Author: Moira DedrickBE FREE: The Title of Chris’ solo 1972 album and truly his lifelong quest…
Moira here –
Chris, after a week of increasing radiance, yet with rapid physical decline, passed away peacefully at home this morning, August 6th.
Tonya, Kevin, and the grandkids all came down last evening and were here overnight. I feel Chris knew I was in the company of love and could pass without worry.
I have felt for days that he had dropped all baggage, and now I feel he is traveling lightly and continuing his journey in freedom.
Thank you all for your love and support as we continue our journeys.
I will be in touch soon with details on a celebration of his life and music to take place within the next two to three weeks.
Much love to all,
Moira
47 Responses to “Be Free”
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About the Circle of Fifths blog
This is about one composer's inner and outer journey in response to a cancer diagnosis, beginning with a long stay in Europe, a lot of research into what beyond conventional treatments is available in this world to help heal body, mind, and the all-important invisibles.
The Cycle of Fifths, as my granddaughter Taylor will tell you from her studies at Music for Young Children, is based on the acoustic/mathematical mysteries of musical sound. It represents that long row of ticklish ivories in a tonal mandala. Music, like the cosmos, has no real up or down, no hierarchy of keys. But it does have near and far. One spin-off of the natural harmonic series is that the closest keys centers are always just a perfect fifth away. Travel up a fifth, you must add a sharp to the key signature; down a fifth, you add a flat. The circle or cycle of fifths is a diagram of all the keys and their signatures placed in this relationship.
The blog started as a group email. I had to name the group file something... Circle of Fifths came to mind. Circle of Friends, Core of Family. The center is undefined, the circle is unbroken. One key resolves to the next and returns home. The signature is only a convenience.
Jeffrey Portman
August 6th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
This is very sad news. Your music has given me so much joy, and hope this can be returned in giving you peace. RIP Chris. One by one.
Steve Diamond
August 6th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Dear Moira,
Lots of love to you and to everyone who loved Chris. I’m so grateful to hear that he’s “traveling lightly.” His was always a Light presence and that’s how I’ll remember him. I’ll miss him. Be well.
Love,
Steve
susan vaughan
August 6th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Dear Moira,
What sad, sad news. It breaks my heart. I see how connect you are to Chris because your words are as beautiful as his.
Peace to you both.
Love,
HC
Jacek Sykulski
August 7th, 2010 at 2:52 am
My brother in spirit had left me…
It will never be the same anymore.
I’ll miss you so much.
Chris, be free…
I love you and always will.
Love,
Jacek
Monika
August 7th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Dearest Moira,
It is with great, great sadness that we learned about Chris’ passing. We both loved him and his music so dearly. We will cherish the moments of love and friendship spent with you and Chris forever and will never forget him. Lots of love, dearest Moira. Monika and Marek x
Gwen & Berend
August 7th, 2010 at 8:11 am
We want to join in the chorus of love being sung here on the internet for Chris. Our hearts were made undeniably larger and fuller by time spent with him and his music. Our sadness is deep, but thankfully it’s somewhat diffused by what a light-filled and transcendent human Chris was– What a wonder that’s we’d meet, life’s a game of hide and seek!
We love you, Chris. We will miss you so, so much.
Your friends forever, Gwen & Berend
Michel & Ellen
August 7th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Dearest Moira, family and friends,
I can’t find the words to express my feelings right now, my
heart and warmest thoughts are with you…
Chris took another Road, the road of love, passion and freedom.
It is a small “relief” he has left peacefully and traveling lightly.
I will never forget you Chris: my Friend and my “Brother”. Thank
you for all you have brought to my family and myself. I’ll miss you!
Love to you both!
Michel and Ellen
Marilyn Field
August 7th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Adding our sad but thankful voice to that chorus of love for Chris. Our world has lost a treasure. But we can hold on to what inside us has been touched forever by Chris, including the children who Chris so lovingly and skillfully helped to find their own song within themselves. Our rhythm wavers as we mourn Chris but together we will hold strong his Circle of Fifths.
Love,
Marilyn Field & J. C. Pennie
Lynn Small
August 7th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Chris never stopped giving of his words, music, and wisdom
in health and in illness. He was a true friend to so many and the memory of his generosity of spirit will always be an inspiration to me as will you Moira for your constancy and love. I am there for you always,
Lynn
Barry
August 7th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Dear Moira,
Who understands these mysteries? My prayers, my tears, my laughter are with you and your family as we honour this great man of music. Christopher was and will always be a power of inspiration in my life. He leaves a rich legacy of music, joy and love. Blessings to you all.
Barry
Françoise
August 7th, 2010 at 9:41 am
Dear Moira,
We send you our warmest love and support. We feel so priviledged to have known Chris and thank him dearly for his inspired music that resonates in our hearts always. Thank you also for staying with us in november offering us the possibility to share these unique moments of truth with both of you.
May Chris “be free” and continue his spiritual journey in the radiance of the Presence.
With love from the Chalogany family.
Rebecca Whelan
August 7th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Oh Moira,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please pass along my love to the family. I loved him dearly as a friend, a colleague and a mentor and will miss him terribly. All my love and strength go out to you. Please let me know if there is anything you need during this difficult time.
Rebecca
John Cardwell
August 7th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Dear Moira and family, Though I have not seen you and Chris in almost 20 years, I remember fondly our interactions and Chris’s particular gifts of music and eloquence.
Blessings, grace and comfort to you, family and friends during this time of grief and celebration.
David Kennet
August 7th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Dear Moira,
Sending you and family love and blessings at this difficult time. Chris’ unlimited creativity, love, tremendous strength and courage will forever remain an inspiration to me. Moira, your love care and dedication to Chris’ healing over this intensely challenging period was moving to witness and a testament to the power of unconditional love.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Love,
David
ron proulx
August 7th, 2010 at 11:56 am
moira, i’m so very sorry to hear of this. a huge and deep talent. the world has been a better place for having chris be a part of it. my condolences to your family.
ron
Gordon Morton
August 7th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Dear Moira,
Elizabeth and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Chris for as long as most of his friends, but I feel honoured to have shared a little of his life and his music. He was a source of good advice and unwavering support in his role as Vice President of Caledon Chamber Concerts and we were very lucky to have had him on the Board.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Gordon and Elizabeth
Lori Cullen
August 7th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Dear Moira,
I had been working on a song of his. I wanted to sing it just right- it felt so important and as a result I never got the chance to send it back. I have it here for you.
Let me know if you need any help planning the celebration. I can help as much as you need me- with music, organizing, sound…… you just name it.
I am sending you my fullest love and strength.
You and Chris were SO good together.
He was one of the most magical people I have ever met.
A blue spruce will always remind me of Chris Dedrick.
lori
Sandra Knight
August 7th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Dear Moira,
He was/IS such a tower of creativity and a beautiful soul. I feel so fortunate to have known him, even a little.
Sending love and picturing you all surrounded in the magnificence and love that you are always “in all ways.”
Sandra
Jonathan
August 7th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Dear Moira,
I was so sad to hear the news. I have such wonderful memories of Chris–whom I’ve known most of my life! Both of you have been such amazing friends to our family. When my dad passed away, I remember spending time with Chris listening to his music in Saint Saveur, and how much better it made me feel knowing how loved he was. Although I’m on the other side of the country, I want to extend the same warmth and loving embrace to you and your family. Wherever Chris is traveling now, he is surely making people smile with his beautiful spirit and music–and probably challenging them to a good game of basketball, too!
Love and hugs,
Jonathan
Bud Fadale
August 7th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Moira,
Very sad news! We have never met, but I feel as if I know you (at least a little), just from what Chris has told me and from the music he has shared with me. Not sure if you were aware, but he did refer to you as a Goddess. I was driving to a Jazz Vespers concert last night in Olean NY and I passed through Delevan where Chris grew up which brought back a ton of memories. This is really where I knew him and his family. On my way home from playing the concert I was planning my next email to him. In fact, I was just getting on the computer to email him now. I’m so very sorry, he was an extraordinary being. I am very, very saddened that we are not going to get the chance to re-connect in person after all of these years. I am, at least, thankful that Chris and I did re-connect via email over that last few months.
Buddy Fadale
Shirit Oren
August 8th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Dear Moira and Family,
Mom and I were so sorry to hear the news of Chirs passing and that he had cancer. I had no idea. I am so grateful of this blog as I feel I can reconnect with Chris. You and Chris were such and inspiration to me growing up and I am so grateful to have been able to been in both of your precences. I will never forget Chris’s voice nor his steadfastness to Truth and Love. I hope to see you soon so that I may hug you all and be there for you in any capacity. My deepest condolences go to you and your family.
Love,
Shirit
Catalin & Michaela Marin
August 8th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Words cannot begin to express the sadness we felt at hearing the news. Chris was, truly, one of those presences with the power of touching one’s life on so many levels: as a friend, as an artist, as a spiritual being.
Moira, please let us know if we could help in any way during this difficult time.
Love,
Michaela and Cat
Pamela Leach
August 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Dear Moira,
Deepest love to you, Moira, and to all of your family. Chris was an extraordinary gift: his musical genius, his friendship, his humour, his passion. An inspired journey to be sure. He will be greatly missed.
love Pam
David Greene
August 8th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Dear Moira & Family…
One of the true unique and special talents left us on Friday. I’m certain that wherever he is he is still making music and prey that we can reunite someday. It was a privilege to have worked with him over the years and to have known you both.
With love,
David Greene
Richard Franz
August 8th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Dear Moira,
Chris was, in a very direct way, the channel that brought me in contact with the most import events in my life. His music, his intensity and his genuine love for his art will be remembered fondly. I am glad you are surrounded with family and loved ones at this time.
My sincerest love and condolences to you and your family,
Rick Franz
Jamie Hopkings
August 8th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Dear Moira,
Chris’ spirit produced a rare and splendid bounty
that filled me with wonder
My sincere condolences,
Jamie
Nurit Oren
August 9th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Dear Moira,
My heart felt love and appreciation to you for filling Chris’s life with great joy, care and unconditional love. At this time of transition you have my deepest support along with the recognition of your greatness!!! The radiance that you and Chris share will continue to glow and inspire forever!!!
Love, Nurit
Don Campbell
August 9th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Those who bring the art of energetic harmonics, beauty and sweet melodies to life are ever alive in the pulse and hearts of humanity. Chris was a pioneer, a sculptor of sound and a true visionary. He now is in the eternal sound of Light.
My sympathetic resonance is with all of you, dear friends.
Much love from Boulder. Don
Gary Gray
August 9th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Dear Moira,
If I possessed the eloquence with English that Chris had with music maybe I could find the words to express the sadness of his passing. The best I can do is to tell you that my heart and thoughts are with you. It was a great privilege to have had Chris as a friend and to be able to share in his genius.
I will be always grateful that he trusted me enough to allow me the opportunity to give so much of his music the permanence that it so richly deserves. The recordings will live on as a testament to his consummate craftsmanship and indeed, to the man himself.
Much Love,
Gary
Gregory
August 10th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Dearest Moira,
There are few in this realm who harmonized with the Source such as Chris. I was just watching him recently in a video surrendering as a singer in a Star Scape performance. He has given so much and now he lives on as Light! Extending you comfort and surrounding you with Love in this time of change. Gregory
Craig Thompson
August 10th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Dear Moira and Family, It was an inspiration to work with Chris and to feel the musical magic that he brought to our projects. I will miss him as a friend and a colleague. May you find peace in the warmth and love he has left behind.
Nauby
August 10th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Dear Moira,
I send love to you and your family at this difficult time. Such gratitude is felt for having known Chris. His generosity of spirit, humor, and gentle yet powerful presence will always be remembered as a special blessing to my life. I remain grateful to you and Chris for the many gracious moments shared with music, friendship, and love.
Blessings and love to you both,
Nauby
Linda Brown
August 10th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Moira,
I was so sad to hear of Chris’ passing today. He is such a beautiful and gentle soul, as you are also. It was always so lovely to see the two of you together as one. I wish you both peace and much love.
Linda
Jeff Hogan
August 12th, 2010 at 12:33 am
I just read the news on aol. I’m at a loss for words. Chris’s music moved me and inspired me. My love and prayers go out to all of Chris’s family and friends.
Jeff Hogan
Bob Langstaff
August 12th, 2010 at 1:03 am
I am so sorry to learn of Chris’ passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you. His music and that of Free Design was fresh, iconic had marked and positive impact on Adult Contemporary Radio– especially in Nashville. In the late 60′s I was a student at Vanderbilt University and the morning announcer at WLAC-FM which had debued a new format of Contemporary Pop music. The station called itself “The only Groovy One and the core artist group WAS Free Design. I seem to vaguely remember being told the jingles were either recorded by Free Design or were modeled after the group. Based on that sound, that music, the station’s ratings improved to number 3 in Nashville, beating all the other FMs and most of the AM stations at a time when everyone supposed “no one listened to FM.” His music still sounds alive and through it, Chris has left a wonderful legacy. Peace to you all and God Bless.
Bob Langstaff, Owner, WAMV, Amherst/Lynchburg VA
Kristin Kovarik
August 12th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Dear Moira,
During this sad time of loss you may take heart to know that Chris’s message goes on to help someone else. I am barely two months into my own cancer diagnosis and I am learning quickly. Dear God, I’d like the ticket for the scenic route please, but if you punch me the express pass, thank you either way. I am so blessed.
Moira, thank you so much for putting out Chris’s blog. It will contimue to help me as I re-read it over the next however long.
My love to you and your family,
Sincerely,
Kristin
GBE
August 12th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Many condolences go out to you and your family. As a longtime fan of Chris’ music, rest assured that his wonderful musical legacy lives on.
Sincerely,
Greg
NYC
Maria and Albert from South Africa
August 16th, 2010 at 5:13 am
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.We briefly got to know Chris, but I was connected because of the same illness. However, he will always be remembered. He is now free and in peace with GOD. Our love, thoughts and prayer are with you Moira.
Love
Maria and Albert
Steve Sakellarios
August 22nd, 2010 at 6:45 am
Chris’ music has been a very important influence in my life since I first heard of The Free Design from a high school music theory teacher in 1971. I was thrilled that he agreed to score a documentary I was working on in 2002, and appreciated that he kindly offered me a reduced price; I only wish that I had been able to get the funding. It wasn’t for lack of my own interest that I didn’t follow up! Rest assured he will be better-known in the future when people catch up to him.
Love,
Steve S.
Lynne Ricci
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Chris’s music is amazing! As a young choral director, I am trying to find sheet music of his arrangements with The Free Design for my vocal a cappella high school group and I cannot find anything! I would really like to do ‘Love You’ this fall as a tribute to his life and musical legacy. Can anyone help me? My email is lynnemricci@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Bob Papaleoni
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Dear Moria and family,
I just heard the sad news. I will always remember the early days with my “roomie” on Maple Avenue, Flushing. All the great sessions with Chris, Ellen, Sandy and Bruce and the times on the farm in Delevan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Big blessings,
Bob
david lint & jane armstrong
August 27th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Moira – our deep condolences on your loss. We did so love your Chris. And his memory and music will always be with us.
Our warm wishes for you & the families – david
JH
August 29th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Chris’ and the Free Design have brought so much happiness to my life, and to so many other people, I’m so glad he got to know that while he was in this life. His passing makes me very sad, please accept my condolences.
Michael Johnson
August 29th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Chris made some beautiful music for and with me. My time with him was a beautiful beginning of a life long love of music and performance.
A complicated man with a great spirit and such a gifted composer. He baby sat me through my earliest musical journeys. You’re always in my heart Chris.
D Lanane
September 26th, 2010 at 3:20 am
We’ve just discovered Chris’ music. It is beautiful. We are sorry for your loss and the loss to the music world.
We would like to perform Chris’ “Love You” with our choir this year. Is there somewhere we can purchase the sheet music?
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