Obituary News

Jazz News: James Moody Has Died

Source: Riffs on Jazz by John Anderson
December 10, 2010

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A Jazz Giant Passes: James Moody, 1925-2010

Source: AAJ Staff
December 10, 2010

James Moody, an international jazz star since 1949 and a San Diego resident since 1989, has played his last refrain. An acclaimed saxophonist, flutist, composer and band leader for 60 of his 85 years, Mr. Moody died Thursday at 1:07 p.m. at the San Diego Hospice, according to his wife, San Diego Realtor Linda McGowan Moody, who was by his side. His death came after a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. “He couldn't have gone more peacefully," said Mrs. Moody, ...

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James Moody, 1925-2010

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
December 10, 2010

We knew it was coming. That doesn't make it easier. James Moody died this afternoon of the pancreatic cancer he had known about for nearly a year but did not make public untilNovember. He was 85. Moody was in hospice in San Diego, his hometown for many years. His wife Linda was by his side, as she was almost every moment since they met. Moody became famous for his solo on “Moody's Mood For Love," a record he made when ...

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RIP Harry Whitaker

Source: Schicker
November 27, 2010

"Man, patience is a virtue!" Harry Whitaker is reflecting on the long-awaited release of his first album as a leader, recorded when he was thirty-four years old. Now a well-seasoned fifty-nine ("I'm older, not more mature," he clarifies), he is savoring the fruits of a philosophy that guided him throughout a rich career spent supporting a galaxy of headliners. An archetypal behind-the-scenes accompanist and arranger best known through his association with Roberta Flack, he was a cornerstone of Roy Ayers's ...

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Sid Simmons, jazz pianist and mentor, dies at 63

Source: Michael Ricci
November 16, 2010

BACK IN THE DAY, the cats used to bop over to Ortlieb's Jazzhaus to give a listen to one of the most highly regarded jazz pianists in the city. Sid Simmons was frequently called on to accompany other musicians, but he had a style all his own, much appreciated by fans and fellow musicians. “He combined the class of Bill Evans with the soul and hard-hitting style of Oscar Peterson," a critic wrote. And along with being a fine musician ...

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In Memoriam: Walter Payton

Source: Wade Luquet
November 16, 2010

Walter Payton—New Orleans bassist and music educator—has passed away at the age of 68 on Thursday, October 28, after a long illness. A native of the city, Payton taught for twenty-five years in the public school system of New Orleans where he influenced generations of young musicians, including his son, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Mr Payton was a mainstay of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and also played tuba and bass in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band and the ...

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Henryk Gorecki: 1933-2010

Source: Something Else!
November 15, 2010

by Mark Saleski I don't have the language to properly describe most pieces of classical music, so you will rarely (if ever) see me employ words such as “sonata," “fortissimo," and “canon." Besides, with this week's passing of Polish composer Henryk Górecki, many megabytes (and ink!) have been spilled with the various re-visitations of the technicalities of his iconic composition Symphony No. 3. I will skip those details partly out of obvious necessity but mostly because things like that are ...

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Herman Leonard Memorial Service

Source: The Business Musician by Craig M. Cortello
November 8, 2010

I had the privilege of attending a memorial service in New Orleans for legendary jazz photographer Herman Leonard yesterday. Leonard lived in New Orleans for over a decade prior to Hurricane Katrina, and was happiest when he lived here, according to his daughter Shana. I attended with my 13 year old son, an aspiring photographer. I wanted to show him what a tremendous legacy you can leave through a lifetime of dedication to your craft.

The day consisted of the ...

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