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 and a mentor to many other pianists, as well as an influence on other instrumentalists, Sid was a sweet man, soft-spoken and friendly.
After a gig, he would sit at the bar, sip a drink and puff on a cigar and chat about everything from music to the Eagles.
James “Sid" Simmons died Nov. 5 of cardiac arrest after surgery. He was 63.
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 and a mentor to many other pianists, as well as an influence on other instrumentalists, Sid was a sweet man, soft-spoken and friendly.
After a gig, he would sit at the bar, sip a drink and puff on a cigar and chat about everything from music to the Eagles.
James “Sid" Simmons died Nov. 5 of cardiac arrest after surgery. He was 63.
