American jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller died at the age of 57 of effects of a stroke.
This underrated yet influential artist, as the LA Times described him, was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers during 80’s, and has collaborated with names like Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Wallace Roney and Casandra Wilson. His heritage is a rich discography as a sideman including 16 albums released under his name. He recorded his last solo album in 2010.
The news about Miller’s health condition spread across social networks fast, and after he passed on Wednesday afternoon, many colleagues honored this great artist.
“I sincerely hope every self-respecting jazz musician takes this day to reflect on all the music Mulgrew left us”, wrote bassist Christian McBride while saxophonist Oliver Lake called him “one of the greatest”.
“I’ve known him since the 70’s and am so glad that we did two big tours together in 2011”, wrote John Scofield on his profile adding: “He was as great a person as he was a player and as great a pianist as they come.”
Watch their joint performance in France two years ago.