Jazz Prof. Creque Remembered

The Conservatory lost one of its most distinguished and beloved members last Friday when Neal Creque, member of the jazz studies department, died of cancer. He was 60.

Creque had been a teacher of jazz piano at the Conservatory since 1988, when the jazz studies major was first offered. Creque was a life-long musician who was highly respected for his musical talent. "He would always say 'Music is my life and my life is music,'" said Creque's daughter, Kim, in a tribute that ran Dec. 5 in the Plain Dealer.

However, Creque was respected not only because of his work with music, but with people as well. "Neil was loved and respected throughout Oberlin and beyond. His performance standards and creative genius contributed enormously to jazz studies," Peter Dominguez, professor of jazz studies and double bass, said.

Creque was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1940, and moved to the mainland early in his career. He first established himself as a composer and pianist in New York City, playing with the Latin jazz ensemble Pucho and his Latin Soul Brothers. Creque moved to Cleveland in the early 1970s, where he toured and recorded with such jazz legends as Mongo Santamaria, Grant Green, Leon Thomas, Carmen McRae, Quincy Jones, Sarah Vaughn, Melba Moore and Oliver Nelson. Creque composed more than 2,000 works, of which 80 have been recorded. He also taught at Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Music School Settlement.

According to Dominguez, Creque was first and foremost a concert pianist whose compositions and playing spanned many styles and genres. Creque was also revered because of his commitment to students. Creque worked closely with and contributed to the success of the small jazz ensembles and the Oberlin Jazz Septet. "The last time we spoke, we talked about a piano student and one of his small jazz ensembles," Dominguez said of Creque's commitment to his students.

A memorial service was held this past Wednesday in Finney Chapel. The service was heavily attended, further displaying how Creque's life and work touched many throughout the Oberlin College community and beyond. Following a prayer led by Reverend A.G. Miller, associate professor of religion, members of the Oberlin Conservatory jazz studies department and alumni performed musical selections. The impassioned musical selection was led by a soulful interpretation of "Amazing Grace" in which all the musicians appeared to pour their hearts into their instruments in honor of Creque.

After the musical selections, the service allowed for Creque's former students, collegues and friends to give their regards. The variety of statements and testimonies ranged from those of a Cleveland city councilman to a woman thankful to Creque for helping her rediscover joy in singing. The vast number of heartfelt comments were an attestation to the special way Creque's life touched so many people. "Neil Creque was loved by all who knew him at Oberlin. His years of service to the Conservatory have made a difference in every life touched and will continue to leave a legacy for many years to come," Robert Dodson, dean of the Conservatory said during the memorial.

The service was concluded by a family tribute from Creque's daughter, Kim Creque Jenkins, another musical selection and a closing prayer by Reverend A.G. Miller.

"Neil Creque was a major music talent. His musicianship, wit and professional insight will be sorely missed by our department. Moreover, I counted him as a personal friend who was always supportive of my efforts. I am deeply saddened by his demise," said Wendell Logan, professor of African-American music and chair of the jazz studies department.