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Sid Simmons, jazz pianist and mentor, dies at 63

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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.

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