The saxophonist Illinois Jacquet passed away at age 81, impressive.
Biography - A Short Wiki
Tenor saxophonist who is recognized for his role in the song “Flying Home,” which featured the first R&B saxophone solo. He was also one of the few jazz artists to play the bassoon.
He was raised in a musical family; his father was a bandleader, his brother Russell played trumpet, and his other brother Linton was a drummer.
How did Illinois Jacquet die?
Heart Attack caused Illinois Jacquet's death in 2004.
| Cause of death | Heart Attack |
|---|---|
| Age of death | 81 years |
| Profession | Saxophonist |
| Birthday | October 31, 1922 |
| Death date | July 22, 2004 |
| Place of death | N/A |
| Place of burial | N/A |
Quotes
The patterns of big-band music are smooth and classical. It’s got to be fresh. The brass section should crackle, like the sound of eggs being dropped into hot grease.
Illinois Jacquet
Their eagerness for the big-band music and their ability to grasp the essence of it made me realize that today’s generation has not been properly exposed to the big-band sound.
Illinois Jacquet
When I was 16 or 17 I heard the Count Basie band with Jo Jones and Lester Young and Herschel Evans and I couldn’t believe it. They were the greatest swing band. I really fell in love with that sound. Everybody danced!
Illinois Jacquet
When I got my band in 1983, I knew what I had to do. If I’m going to have a big band, they’re going to have to sound equally as good as what I’m used to hearing.
Illinois Jacquet
Hamp would ask me about tempos in the band: ‘Jacquet,’ he’d say, ‘knock off that tempo.’ A lot of jazz musicians didn’t prefer to play for dancers, which was their loss, really. But good jazz has always had that dance feel.
Illinois Jacquet
