Gerald Wilson, musician, composer, bandleader, educator, husband, father and icon

It is with the greatest respect and utmost admiration that we acknowledge the passing of another pillar of jazz Mr. Gerald Wilson at the age of 96. He did us the favor of living a long and fruitful life thereby eliminating the need for us to speculate about what could have been. He showed us what could be done with a great talent, a little determination and the benefit of a long lifetime dedicated to the art of jazz.

I don't know if he ever set foot in a class room, but I do know that he was an extraordinary teacher. Even the most accomplished musicians need to be shown how to channel your artistic gifts into the proper format from time to time. If you understand it well enough you can make even the tin ears like me hear it.

You had to be careful when listening to his music. His orchestrations tapped into something that few musicians can consistently find. His music was just so right that it would force you to your feet and make you exclaim with joy because all the notes were exactly where they were supposed to be. Its as if he were inside your head and new what you wanted to hear before you even knew what you were listening to.

I came to Mr. Wilson late, the last 10 years or so, but Gerald Wilson owned a legacy that emanated from the very beginnings of jazz and, as far as I know, lasted up until his death. Mr. Wilson recreated and updated some of his previous master works and found a whole new audience including me.

You probably already have his music in your collection and didn't know it but do yourself a favor and get a copy of his "New York New Sound" and enjoy a real musical romp.

I wish I were better able to compose my thoughts but maybe Gerald Wilson can best say it himself.

RIP