In Memoriam: Carl Dufrene

Carl Dufrene, bassist for the North Mississippi Allstars and Anders Osborne, has passed away from undisclosed causes. The news was announced on the North Mississippi Allstars Instagram page.

“Let’s play some funky music for Brother Carl Dufrene Jr on this sad day,” they wrote. “Carl was a wonderful friend, family man and musician. 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. We were honored to make music with Carl for years. He always elevated the music. Carl was a national treasure, a true ambassador of Louisiana musicality and hospitality. The Bayou Buddha will be missed by friends the world over but live on in the music and in our hearts.”

Dufrene was a native of South Louisiana, and before he hooked up with the North Mississippi Allstars was a staple of the region’s prominent music scene. He performed for years with guitar great Anders Osborne, who described him as having “the heart of a 9 year old prince and the soul of a 98 year old boat maker.” He was featured on Osborne’s 2016 release Flower Box before joining the Allstars, with whom he recorded 2019’s Up and Rolling.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Carl Dufrene.