Sad to learn of the passing, as a result of kidney failure, of jazz flautist and saxophonist Frank Wess who has died at the age of 91. A member of the Basie band in the 1950s, playing tenor saxophone, flute and alto sax, Wess was later a member of Clark Terry’s big band. A NEA Jazz Master [http://arts.gov/honors/jazz/frank-wess], Wess died yesterday. A message on his website says: “He left a great legacy to the world of jazz. He touched so many people and made wonderful friends all over the world.”

Scott Robinson writes 1 November update:
"We have lost the great Frank Wess... a dear mentor, friend, and giant of music. Someone I have looked up to my entire musical life. A source of immeasurable inspiration and guidance, as well as friendship. An American treasure.
I last saw him less than two weeks prior, before I went on the road, and I knew it would not be long. But as my friend Maria Traversa said to me, "91 years of doing what you love is a pretty good life." And, from fellow saxophonist Dan Block: "We'll carry what he gave us throughout our lives."
For me this is a very personal loss. I worked closely with Frank on many concerts, tours and recordings, and we even started a band together – at his urging – back in the early nineties. My wife and I hold annual cookouts at our home in NJ, and Frank and his beloved Sara were usually there. Here is a photo Maria took of Frank at one of these events, sitting under our giant oak tree with me and Dean Pratt, who is trying out my "echo cornet":

And here is a video clip of Frank's two-tenor band at the Village Vanguard just a few years ago. This week was truly a joy, one of the highlights of my New York life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtY4WeNEQy8
I am incredibly grateful for the time I have known Frank Wess, and for all that he has given me. I will miss him more than I can say."