With sadness and anguish...
We have some sad news for anyone who knew Tennyson LeMaster, or where fans of his drumming in RedLefty...or bands past...
Tennyson passed away on Thursday July 5th. This was sudden, unexpected and has shocked all of us as, as it has other friends and family. We are a very tight band, we are all friends who just happen to play music together. Such an unimaginable loss like this is shattering. No longer will we hear that great laugh.

His body was cremated and the ashes will be scattered in the baker wetlands (his favorite place) in the spring.
His memorial was on the 8th. Per his parents request RedLefty played at it. A hard gig, but our most important one. Thanks to all who attended. Tennyson had many circles of friends as evidenced by the variety of people who showed their respect at his memorial.

We send condolences to his many other friends, to his family and especially to his daughter Cleo.

WIth heavy hearts RedLefty will continue on as a band. Tennyson would be quite pissed if we didn't.
His drumming, friendship and endless supply of jokes will be missed.

Below are his obituary and his bio.
--------
From his obituary
He was born Feb. 13, 1964, in Houston, the son of Charles W. and Roberta Webb LeMaster. He graduated from Westchester High School in Houston and earned a bachelor's degree in early-childhood behavior from Kansas University.

After one year of service in the Head Start program, he continued to help children with autism. He was the drummer for the band RedLefty.

Survivors include his parents, Houston; a daughter, Cleo LeMaster, Lawrence; and a brother, Garth, Los Angeles.

------

His bio
Tennyson cut his teeth in the Texas punk scene before joining with Austin's seminal hillbilly cow-punk band, the Hickoids. After splitting his time, and personality, between the hardcore onslaught of the band Polio and the traditional blues and country bands, he moved to Kansas, doing time with Ricky Dean Sinatra, The Majestics, and Evan Dease. He cites Buddy Rich as his main drumming influence and Townes Van Zandt as his favorite songwriter. He likens his job in RedLefty to that of a carpet layer, "I try to roll out the red rug for these fine players so they can stand firm and wail."