Died On This Date (October 8, 2011) Piet Noordijk / Respected Dutch Saxophonist

Piet Noordijk
May 26, 1932 – October 8, 2011

Piet Noordijk was a respected Dutch saxophonist who, over a career that stretched several decades played in both orchestras and big bands.  The list of groups he played with includes the Skymasters, Malando, the Ramblers, and the Metropole Orchestra.  In 1965, Noordijk was presented with the Boy Edgar Prize, the highest achievement for a Dutch jazz musician, and in 1987, he won the Bird Award which is also bestowed upon only the best in his field.  He went on to win other awards as well. Over the course of his career, Noordijk is known to have played with the likes of Nina Simone, Dexter Gordon, Toots Thielemans, and Wynton Marsalis.  Piet Noordijk was 79 when he passed away on October 8, 2011.

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

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Swinging With Strings (Live At the Bimhuis Amsterdam) - Piet Noordijk & The String & Rhythm Section of The Metropole Orchestra

Died On This Date (April 29, 2010) Walter Sear / Synthesizer Pioneer

Walter Sear
1930 – April 29, 2010

Walter Sear was a composer, musician, and inventor who is perhaps most celebrated as a pioneer of the music synthesizer.  He began his career in music as a classical tuba player and eventually launched a successful business where he imported and sold tubas from a shop in New York City.  During the early ’60s, he partnered with synthesizer inventor, Robert Moog to help him perfect and market the first commercial synthesizers.  Sear went on to make synth recordings for motion pictures such as Midnight Cowboy.  He also ran his Sear Sound recording studio in New York City for many years. Over the decades, artists like the BeatlesPaul McCartney, Sonic Youth, Steely Dan and Wynton Marsalis called upon Sear to outfit them with vintage synthesizers.  Walter Sear was 79 when he passed away on April 29, 2010.



Died On This Date (April 9, 2008) George Butler / Noted Jazz Producer

Dr. George Butler
September 2, 1931- April 9, 2008

George Butler was producer and A&R man for Blue Note Records during the ‘70s. While there, he was instrumental in the label’s success by broadening its appeal with more R&B leaning releases by such artists as Earl Klugh, Ronnie Laws and Donald Byrd. The ‘80s found Butler in a key position at CBS Records, again helping the company reach new heights both critically and commercially by signing such acts as Brandford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard and Harry Connick, Jr. He also produced Miles Davis’ comeback album, The Man With The Horn in 1981. George Butler passed away on April 9, 2009 at the age of 76.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (November 12, 1998) Kenny Kirkland / Noted Jazz Pianist

Kenny Kirkland
September 28, 1955 – November 12, 1998

Kenny KirklandKenny Kirkland was one of the most influential jazz pianist of recent years.  Kirkland was just six years old when he began learning to play the piano.  and by the time he reached his early 20s, Kirkland was touring Europe professionally.  Although Kirkland’s career was cut short after just 25 years, he performed or recorded with many of the top names of contemporary jazz.  That list includes Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Stanley Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Kevin Eubanks, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and Stanley Clarke.   He even spent a short period playing piano in the Tonight Show band.  Kenny Kirkland died of congestive heart failure at the age of 43.

Thanks to jazz historian, Steve Myers for the assist.



Died On This Date (September 15, 1985) Cootie Williams / Jazz Great

Charles “Cootie” Williams
July 24, 1910 – September 15, 1985

Cootie Williams is considered by many to be the greatest jazz trumpeter of the 1930s.  His career began at age 14 when he played alongside saxophonist Lester Young in the Young Family Band.  Williams went on to play in Duke Ellington’s orchestra and later, Benny Goodman’s.  He formed his own orchestra in 1941, giving a home to such future legends as Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell.  Williams’ style of trumpet playing was labeled “jungle,” and he was one of the best at it.  And he used a plunger as a mute, influencing the likes of Wynton Marsalis.  Cootie Williams passed away at the age of 75.

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Do Nothing 'Till You Hear from Me - Cootie Williams