but the songs live on forever

Thad Jones

Arranger Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (December 15, 2011) Bob Brookmeyer / Notable Jazz Trombonist

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Bob Brookmeyer
December 19, 1929 – December 15, 2011

Bob Brookmeyer was an American jazz musician, arranger and composer who is most often remembered for his contributions to Gerry Mulligan’s Quartet during the late ’50s.  He went on to work with the likes of Jimmy Giuffre, Clark Terry, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis.  In later years, Brookmeyer taught jazz composition at the New England Conservator of Music.  In 2006, he released Spirit Music which was nominated for a Grammy.  Bob Brookmeyer was 81 when he passed away on December 15, 2011.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.

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New Works - Bob Brookmeyer

Arranger Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (July 26, 2011) Frank Foster / American Jazz Sax Great

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Frank Foster
September 23, 1928 – July 26, 2011

Frank Foster was a jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger who is most often associated with Count Basie for whom he played for many years.  Foster learned to play the sax and other wind instruments at a young age, and after going to college and serving in Korea for the U.S. Army, Foster joined the Count Basie Orchestra where he stayed for the next two decades.   While in Basie’s employ, Foster also arranged many of his songs.  That list includes “Shiny Stockings,” “Down For The Count,” and “Blues Backstage.”  During the ’70s, Foster went off to play with Elvin Jones, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, and Jimmy Smith.  He rejoined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1986 and remained until 1995.  Throughout his career, Foster also released numerous of his own albums for such prestigious labels as Blue Note, Savoy, and Concord.  He also won two Grammys, and in 2002, he was awarded the Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment of the Arts.  In 2001, Foster suffered a stroke which left him unable to play, but he continued on as a band leader, composer, and arranger for many years to come.  On July 26, 2011, Frank Foster passed away peacefully in his sleep.  He was 82.

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Leo Rising - Frank Foster

Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (May 16, 2010) Hank Jones / Acclaimed Jazz Pianist

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Hank Jones
July 31, 1918 –  May 16, 2010

Hank Jones was a multi-Grammy nominated jazz pianist who came from a musical family that included brothers, Thad Jones and Elvin Jones.  An early adapter to the instrument, Jones began playing around his neighborhood in his early teens, and before he knew it, he was playing with Ella Fitzgerald.   That was from 1948 to 1953, after which he played with the likes of Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman and Cannonball Adderley, to name just of few of the greats with whom he collaborated.  Throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, Jones played in the CBS house band which afforded him the opportunity to play on the Ed Sullivan Show over the years.  One highlight was backing Frank Sinatra.  Jones released nearly 20 albums throughout his career, and played as a sideman on at least that many as well.  He stayed active nearly up to the time of his passing.  Hank Jones was 91 when he died on May 16, 2010.

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