Joe Romano R.I.P.

[Peter Friedman]

I just received word that saxophone player Joe Romano died from lung cancer earlier today in Rochester, NY.

Joe played in many of the major big bands. He was an excellent player on both alto and tenor.

Unfortunately Joe only appeared on a limited number of recordings in a small group context.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Peter Friedman

[marcello]

Yeah, I was notified yesterday, Peter.

Lot of great nights with Joe "Cheese"!

The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago and a month or so I was told he came back to Rochester to spend his last days, but I didn't get around to visit him to pay my respects.

He knew I dug him though!

The last person around that has that "Upstate Sound" on tenor is Pat LaBarbera.

[paul secor]

Joe Romano played at the first live jazz concert I went to - he was playing with Don Menza's group.

RIP, Mr. Romano. Thanks for being a part of the music.

[John Tapscott]

Some of my favorite Joe on record is on Sam Noto's "Act One" Xanadu date. He also has solos on record as a sideman with big bands such as Buddy Rich and Capp-Pierce, among others. R.I.P Joe. The only time I saw Joe live was playing lead alto with Buddy.

R.I.P. Joe.

[cymbalgroove]

Joe gave me my first jazz gigs when I was 16. I was honored to spend countless hours on the bandstand with him. I was also very honored to play on his only CD recording THIS IS THE MOMENT. I learned so much from Joe and he was a great friend as well. I saw him a few weeks ago and we was in pretty good spirits. I spoke to his wife Judy this morning and she said he really went down fast. He will be greatly missed. Joe plays incredible on Sam's Act One. Every one of his solos is a gem on that record. Thanks a thousand times to my musical father Joe Romano.

[James]

Sad news here. "This is the moment" is a very nice session, cymbalgroove. It was gifted to me by one very hip jazz friend. Will have to listen to it on my way to work tomorrow.

[cymbalgroove]

Sad news here. "This is the moment" is a very nice session, cymbalgroove. It was gifted to me by one very hip jazz friend. Will have to listen to it on my way to work tomorrow.

Thanks James! We had a blast recording that CD. Joe was real proud of it as we all were.

[Denis]

So sorry to hear that. I love Joe's sound and feel.

He will be missed.

Denis