Life Member, Piano
(1943 – 2014)
By Peter Hume
Many musicians in town worked with Paul more than I did. But the gigs we did play together were memorable for their ease and effortless musicality. Long before I met my wife (big band singer Patti Ross) she had worked on casuals with Paul for many years. He was one of her favorite accompanists.
In 1991, Patti and I bought a house that turned out to be about one minute away from the Chipellos. In later years, Paul’s kids were babysitters for our daughter, and Paul’s wife gave her swimming lessons. Every day for 20+ years, we could count on waving to Paul jogging by in the afternoon; he was devoted to his running and physical well-being. Paul and Diana have been wonderful friends and neighbors. When our home burned in the Sesnon Fire they helped us through a very stressful and challenging time.
Paul had a vast knowledge of all styles of music from different eras. On occasions when I couldn’t find a particular song for a gig, I would call on Paul. He could usually dig up a lead sheet from his collection, and if not he could invariably play it for me on the spot. This kind and gentle man will be missed by the Hume family along with his fellow players, the many vocalists he accompanied, and the worshipers at church services where he performed.
By Tony Horowitz
Sometimes words don’t seem to come easily. This is one of those times. I find it terribly painful to think of Paul Chipello in past tense. For over forty years we were friends, and music allies. Suddenly through a freak accident at his home, all of this came to a horrible end. No longer can I just pick up the phone and shuck and jive with him. No longer will he brighten up the gatherings that my wife, Naomi, and I hosted whenever we’d fly in from Europe.
He was a devoted family man, as well as a gentle man. I have lost a dear friend. The world has lost a great artist, and an icon of goodness.
RIP paisan.
