On this special evening, some of the jazz world's finest players will pay tribute to a colleague, legendary trumpet player Lew Soloff (February 20, 1944 – March 8, 2015). Soloff was a vital part of the New York jazz scene for more than 50 years. Throughout his career, his unique and unforgettable trumpet solos graced hundreds of projects in the fields of jazz, classical, rock, blues, pop, and Latin music, including numerous film and TV soundtracks. Many of those whose lives he touched will be sharing their talent in his honor.
The musical program for the celebration is under the direction of Soloff's close friends Paul Shaffer and Noah Evans. Shaffer will also serve as master of ceremonies. Musical guests scheduled to perform at press time include Ray Anderson, Dave Bargeron, Jeff Berlin, Randy Brecker, Cecil Bridgewater, John Clark, Anne Drummond, Mark Egan, Miles Evans, Jon Faddis, Sammy Figueroa, Alex Foster, Carlos Franzetti, Gil Goldstein, Beth Gottlieb, Danny Gottlieb, Grace Kelly, Will Lee, Pete Levin, Jesse Levy, Fred Lipsius, Tom Malone, Manhattan Brass (Wayne Du Maine, R.J. Kelley, Michael Seltzer, David Taylor), Lou Marini, Wynton Marsalis, Lisa Maxwell, Emily Mitchell, François Moutin, Adam Nussbaum, Shunzo Ohno, Jimmy Owens, Chris Potter, Jhair Sala, Paul Shaffer, Brandon Soloff, Bob Stewart, Steve Tyrell, Adam Mandela Walden, and Jeff "Tain" Watts.
For those who would like to honor Soloff's memory, tax-deductible donations at all levels may be made to Manhattan School of Music, with the proceeds going toward the school's Jazz Arts program. For nearly 20 years, Soloff was part of the Jazz Arts faculty. The school hopes to create an endowed scholarship in Soloff's name, thus recognizing in perpetuity this extraordinary musician's indelible contributions as well as supporting young musicians. For further information, please visit http://www.msmnyc.edu/Give-to-MSM/Tribute-Giving.
Excerpted from a press release at lewsoloff.com
I see that Ron's friends Beth and Danny Gottlieb are among the musicians scheduled to perform.
