Loved Ones Lost: Al Reese, Meliton Pineda Flores

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a terrible toll on our Santa Barbara County communities — as of this writing, 207 of our neighbors are dead. In a new series, the Independent is putting names and faces to this growing number with the purpose of conveying the human toll of the coronavirus. We feel it is important to recognize and remember these individuals as people, not just statistics. To share the story of a lost friend or loved one, contact Senior Editor Tyler Hayden at tyler@independent.com.

Al Reese

Al Reese was a powerhouse behind the piano. For the better part of 40 years, he filled the city’s best-known hotels and clubs with his soulful play-style and unforgettable voice — mellow and pitch-perfect. His music took him all over the world, from Japan to Switzerland. He even did private shows for the likes of Oprah and Rob Lowe. But Reese always came back to the people and places that he said gave real richness to his life. “He loved Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara loved him,” said singer and collaborator Yvonne Bazinet.

Reese died the morning of January 4 of COVID-19 complications, said his daughter, Rachelle Chillous. He was 82 and living his later years with her in San Bernardino County.