randissimo Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 We have lost a great friend, and musician. Detroit sax man Larry Nozero passed away this morning (Fri. Feb. 18, 2005), after a bout with cancer. We will all miss him dearly. I have known and played several gigs with Larry since the mid 70's. He can be heard on the soprano sax intro on Marvin Gaye's 70's hit, "What's Going On?". That is all the info I have at this time other than the benefit concert being held at Clarenceville High School in Livonia next Tuesday night Feb. 22 at 7:30 in memory of him, and to help off set medical expenses. Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 Wow. That was unexpected. I never had a chance to meet him, but I've heard plenty about him. Bummer. RIP. Quote
Hardbopjazz Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 Didn't know of him, but sad to hear he's died. Quote
JSngry Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 Ddin't realize that was a soprano. Thought it was an alto. No matter, one of the most memorable (and soulful) instrumental hooks ever. Never heard anything else about/from him, but if that intro is any indication, the world has lost one more beautiful one. Quote
randissimo Posted February 18, 2005 Author Report Posted February 18, 2005 Ddin't realize that was a soprano. Thought it was an alto. No matter, one of the most memorable (and soulful) instrumental hooks ever. Never heard anything else about/from him, but if that intro is any indication, the world has lost one more beautiful one. Ddin't realize that was a soprano. Thought it was an alto. It could be an alto... It sounds like a soprano to me.... what do I know, i'm a drummer Quote
JamesJazz Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 Larry was a mainstay of the Detroit jazz scene. Hell of a musician, warm personality, wonderful sound on alto. Had a weekly gig for I can't remember how long at Mitch Housey's restaurant. Larry had a fine band, his last project was a tribute to Jobim. I was lucky enough to hear that band a few times...excellent. Fortunately Larry has several CDs out so we can dip into the well of his beautiful music as often as we like. He battled cancer for about six months before succombing this morning. He was under Hospice care. My understand is Eli Fountaine plays the intro on "What's Going On". Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 19, 2005 Report Posted February 19, 2005 Nazaro always took credit for the intro. Quote
jazzmessenger Posted February 19, 2005 Report Posted February 19, 2005 He played at the Detroit Jazz Festival last year, but I passed it. I wish I had seen him.... Quote
JamesJazz Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 He didn't make the gig, jazzmessenger...his illness surfaced and he was in the hospital over Labor Day. Don Swindell led the band instead of Larry. Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 He didn't make the gig, jazzmessenger...his illness surfaced and he was in the hospital over Labor Day. Don Swindell led the band instead of Larry. That's too bad. I take it you're from Detroit, JamesJazz. Are you a musician? Quote
JamesJazz Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 Can't claim the honor of being a musician, b3-er...but yea I'm from the Detroit area. www.detroitmusichistory.com Quote
GregK Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 James, you were involved in the organization of that Ann Arbor Jazz fest in July 2003, weren't you? Sorry, I can't remember the exact name of the get-together, but you know what I mean. The one that brought Chris Albertson to speak at the Crowne Plaza. I'm still sorry I missed that. Quote
sheldonm Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 Can't claim the honor of being a musician, b3-er...but yea I'm from the Detroit area. www.detroitmusichistory.com Jim, James Jazz is the author of the much heralded Motown book! Hi James! Mark Quote
JamesJazz Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 I wrote part of B Motown, Mark, and hello to you my friend! Yes Greg I was on the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors convention committee. Chris' talk was very well received too and it's great to have his revised Bessie book, much new information and very well written. Quote
Lazaro Vega Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 Throughout much of the 1980's Larry Nozero was the music director at Mackinaw Island, too. Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 I wrote part of B Motown, Mark, and hello to you my friend! Yes Greg I was on the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors convention committee. Chris' talk was very well received too and it's great to have his revised Bessie book, much new information and very well written. Ah great! Nice to have you here! Quote
jazzmessenger Posted February 21, 2005 Report Posted February 21, 2005 He didn't make the gig, jazzmessenger...his illness surfaced and he was in the hospital over Labor Day. Don Swindell led the band instead of Larry. That's too bad. That's even sadder... I am sure he wanted to play in front of large audience. Quote
BeBop Posted July 23, 2008 Report Posted July 23, 2008 Just came across... http://www.larrynozero.com CDs for sale, and some interesting history and info. Quote
Robert J Posted July 25, 2008 Report Posted July 25, 2008 Damn - I missed this news the first time it was announced! I saw Larry quite a few times at Hart Plaza for the jazz fest and at Mitch's. Really liked his bands and sound. I miss those Detroit musicians! There's nothing like that in Toronto in terms of intensity, dedication and community. Was this Mark Stryker? http://www.larrynozero.com/Critics.htm Quote
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