A startling list appeared in the latest issue of JazzTimes:
- Â Chris Anderson | piano | 81
- Joe Beck | guitar | 62
- Phil Bodner | saxophone | 90
- John Brunious | trumpet_piano | 67
- Hiram Bullock | guitar | 52
- Ozzie Cadena | production | 83
- Dave Carpenter | bass | 48
- William Claxton | photography | 80
- Jimmy Cleveland | trombone | 82
- Joel Dorn | production | 65
- Bobby Durham | drums | 71
- Bob Florence | piano_composition | 75
- Jimmy Guiffre | clarinet | 86
- Johnny Griffin | saxophone | 80
- Jeff Healey | guitar_trumpet | 41
- Norman Hedman | percussion_prduction | 63
- Neal Hefti | trumpet_composition | 85
- Dennis Irwin | bass | 56
- Peter J Levinson | publicity | 74
- Jimmy McGriff | organ | 72
- Dave McKenna | piano |78
- Teo Macero | production | 82
- Miriam Makeba | vocals | 76
- Ronnie Matthews | piano |72
- Earl May | bass | 80
- Buddy Miles | drums | 60
- Frank Morgan | saxophone | 73
- Oscar Peterson | piano | 82
- Â Tony Reedus | drums | 49
- Irene Reid | vocals | 77
- Mario Schiano | saxophone | 75
- Richard M Sudhalter | trumpet | 69
- Esbjörn Svensson | piano | 44
- Donald Walden | saxophone | 69
- Jerry Wexler | production | 91
- Gerald Wiggins | piano | 86
With the exception of Oscar Peterson, who died in the latter half of December 2007, these are those who passed in 2008 who, in their lives, impacted the world of Jazz. Â Some died young and tragically; others’ passings could be considered in due time. Â Some were of great impact and consequence; others perhaps just a footnote.
I discovered jazz later in life than most of my peers, but very few people my age have had the opportunity to see true legends play. Â Monk, Trane, Bill Evans – all had passed before I was born. Â Miles died when I was a child, long before I ever knew who he was. Â I feel a sense of urgency to see those who are still alive – Hank Jones and McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Herbie Hancock, and so many others.
The musicians of Jazz’s great history are aging and will continue to pass. Â I can only hope fewer pass in 2009 than did this past year. Â And in the meantime, do the best I can to experience the artistry and passion of Jazz’s living history.
