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We Surround Rochester
Aug 28, 2010, Washington DC
By rochester_veteran
The plane crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence, NY was such a tragedy and so many good people died. I heard on the news that two of the victims were jazz musicians, Coleman Millett and Gerry Niewood, who were to join Chuck Mangione in a concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra last evening. To those who are familiar with the Rochester jazz scene, the news of Gerry Niewood’s death was a shocker. He was such a talented musician on the saxophone and flute, a hometown hero and graduate of Franklin High School and the Eastman School of Music. Gerry was a part of the magical “Friends and Love” concert in 1970 and his sax playing on “She’s Gone” with Don Potter hit to the core of your soul, it was so moving!
I tried to find a youtube of that moment of the “Friends and Love” concert, but couldn’t find one. I did find Chuck, Gerry and the band performing “Echano” at the Monterey Jazz Festival that features a great solo of Gerry. I’m featuring it as a celebration and a tribute of Gerry’s life and the joy he brought to us all with his music!
RIP Gerry Niewood, April 06, 1943 – February 12, 2009
Chuck Mangione Quartet featuring Gerry Niewood – Echano – Monterey Jazz Festival 1975
All POW-MIA
2 responses so far ↓
1 HoosierArmyMom // Feb 15, 2009 at 1:40 am
My deepest condolences to family, loved ones and fans of this man and all the others who so tragically perished in this accident. May God bless them all with his comfort and may Gerry make beautiful music with the angels. God Bless.
2 rochester_veteran // Feb 15, 2009 at 10:31 am
I first saw Gerry and Chuck play at the Shakespeare Lounge. There seemed to be this vortex of talent and creativeness with the Rochester Jazz Scene and there were some magical moments, such as the original Friends and Love concert in 1970. That talented group of musicians that came together for that show with the Rochester Philharmonic and the beautiful music they produced was incredible, a great moment in time.
Thanks for posting, HoosierArmyMom!
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