Chris Feinstein 1967-2009 R.I.P.

Nashville bassist was a mainstay of Ryan Adams' band and an in-demand player as well.

By Fred Mills

Chris Feinstein, bassist for Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, at his home in New York City, from undisclosed causes. He was 42.

Known as "Space Wolf" to friends and fellow musicians (the nickname was given to him by Adams), Feinstein had been with the Cardinals since 2006 and he played on Easy Tiger, Follow the Lights and Cardinology - his roots were in Nashville, where he'd played in high school bands (including several with Cardinals drummer Brad Pemberton). Over the years he also played and recorded with the Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr., Jack Ingram, Patty Griffin, Tim Finn, Matthew Ryan and others - including Moby.

BLURT contributor Rev. Keith A. Gordon penned an in-depth obituary on Feinstein at ThatDevilMusic.com, charting the musician's trajectory. Offered Gordon:

"A multi-instrumental musician that was often overshadowed by the charismatic frontmen that he played behind, Chris Feinstein was undeniably an integral element in the evolution of rock music in Nashville, a talented and important member of several crucial bands that helped put the Music City on the map as more than the home of country music and gospel. As an ambassador of the local music scene, Chris brought an honest little bit of Nashville to audiences across the world. He will be missed...."

Incidentally, among the responses to Gordon's article was one from Feinstein's mother Gayle Escamilla, who wrote, "I do so appreciate all the kind words about my wonderful son, Chris. His family has always known what a genuine, fun and generous soul he was, and it is such a consolation to know he was so admired and esteemed as a musician and as an individual to so many others."

BLURT extends our deepest condolences to Mrs. Escamilla along with Feinstein's extended family and friends, and to the Adams & Cardinals communities as well.

[Photo Credit: Neil Casal]