Trumpeter Lew Soloff Dies at 71
Source: JAZZTIMES.com
Lew Soloff, a fixture on the New York jazz scene for a half-century, and best known for his association with Blood, Sweat and Tears, died this morning, March 8, in New York City. His daughter, Laura Solomon, confirming Soloffs death, stated on her Facebook page that he suffered a massive heart attack while returning home after eating dinner with his family. Soloff was 71.
Soloff was best known for his five-year stint with jazz-rock pioneers Blood, Sweat and Tears, which he joined in 1968. He was present on the groups Grammy-winning self-titled second album, performing at Woodstock with the group and contributing prominently to the hit Spinning Wheel. He remained with BS&T until 1973, recording five albums in all with the band. He also contributed regularly to recordings by Gil Evans and Carla Bley and served as a sideman for many other artists, as well as recording several albums as a leader.
Born Lewis Soloff in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Feb. 20, 1944, Soloff was raised in Lakewood, N.J., where he first studied piano. He switched to trumpet at age10 and developed an interest in jazz. He attended Juilliard Preparatory, then the Eastman School of Music beginning in 1961, followed by a year in graduate school at Juilliard.
Soloffs first professional association was with the Latin bandleader Machito, and in 1966 he joined Maynard Fergusons outfit. Soloff also played during this time in a big band co-led by Joe Henderson and Kenny Dorham, as well as with pianist/arranger Gil Evans, with whom Soloff would continue to collaborate until Evans death in 1988. Soloff also spent time during the late 60s working with Tito Puente, Clark Terry, Eddie Palmieri and others, but it was his role as a core member of Blood, Sweat and Tears during that bands commercial peak that brought him his greatest and most lasting recognition.
Read more: http://jazztimes.com/sections/news/articles/156952-trumpeter-lew-soloff-dies-at-71
RIP Lew, one of the best trumpet players, ever.
shenmue
(38,506 posts)C Moon
(12,226 posts)BumRushDaShow
(129,950 posts)As a kid, I loved the song "Spinning Wheel" (song came out when I was 7 - that year of 1969 had many many amazing and ultimately "classic" music releases). The imagery invoked by both the melody and lyrics were not missed by me as a child or adult. His trumpeting was excellent and distinctive.
Condolences.
eppur_se_muova
(36,317 posts)played the Louis Armstrong solos when they did his old swing numbers.
RIP, Lew.
olddad56
(5,732 posts)My son was 17 at the time. Mr. Soloff was very encouraging to my son, who is also a trumpet player.
americannightmare
(322 posts)Rest in peace, good man...
olddad56
(5,732 posts)his solo on Spinning Wheels is legendary.
americannightmare
(322 posts)I sometimes forget that he had that award-winning solo...the one on "God Bless the Child" is great too - though maybe it's not a solo.
dhill926
(16,387 posts)conversant in a wide range of styles .too young...