Photo by Marc Millman

Beloved bassist Carl Dufrene passed away today. The low-end veteran and Louisiana native’s death was confirmed in social media post by the North Mississippi Allstars. At the time of publication, no cause of death has been reported.

Dufrene collaborated with acts such as Anders Osborne, The Trongone Band and North Mississippi Allstars. The bassist worked on Osborne’s 2016 record Flower Box and NMAS’s 2019 album Up and Rolling.

“Carl would selflessly do anything to keep the mood upbeat, the music funky, and full of fellowship and positive vibes and inspiration. Carl was a great improvisational partner, fearlessly heading down uncharted spontaneous compositions while never losing the groove,” wrote the North Mississippi Allstars in a post. “We were honored to make music with Carl for years. He always elevated the music.”

Anders Osborne also posted a statement on Dufrene’s passing on his social media. “This is not what I wanna do right now,” he wrote. “I’m really mad! I’m devastated! Heartbroken and I am sentimental. Somewhere in the stillness of my soul I still see your tender smokers face and weathered bayou smile… You had the heart of a 9 year old prince and the soul of a 98 year old boat maker. This lifetime around we met through music and the art of making sounds and I will always treasure all our fantastic road memories and endless conversations we shared.”

Read North Mississippi Allstars’ and Osborne’s full statements below, as well as another tribute post from bandmate Cody Dickinson.