The Sault Metal Scene would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of prolific local musician Marshall Jaaskelainen, who suddenly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 35, as per numerous personal Facebook postings that broke earlier today. Well known across genre lines as a bassist (stand-up and electric alike), Marshall will be best known in an SMS context from his work in local/Toronto Celtic punk band Dustin Jones & The Rising Tide for their entire 2007-2021 run. Marshall was joined there and in multiple other projects by his older brother Sheldon Jaaskelainen on cello, and with The Tide, they released three studio albums and had been working on a fourth when they fell inactive. Over the years, you may recognize Marshall from work on stage and/or in studio with such bands as The Wild Turkeys, The Way Backs, The Boot Hill Crooners, and The Steeltown Playboys, and he was still playing live as recently as this summer. Marshall was also a mandolin instructor at Case's Music in the 2010s.
This sad news seemed to hit like a sack of bricks for many in the local music scene, and even beyond Marshall's talents and frequent band work locally and on the road, he was also known for his kindness and sense of humour. Others who knew him better than I can attest to his character better than I ever could, but in our interactions, he always came off well and appreciative, and regardless of your music taste, you'd be hard pressed to find a better stand-up bassist in the area than him. We'll have details on services and memorials when/if announced, but our best wishes go out to Sheldon and the entire family, and go check out some of the brothers' original music if you have the chance. R.I.P. Marshall!
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