Melton Mustafa (1947-2017)

[Justin V]

Trumpeter Melton Mustafa passed away on December 28th.  I was familiar with him through his work with Jaco Pastorius and Horizon.  Thank you for the music, Mr. Mustafa, and rest in peace.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Justin V

[Dan Gould]

Sad news, I never made it to Miami for one of his festivals but did see him in Fort Lauderdale with his brother Jesse Jones, almost sure it was a Cannonball-themed show, and a really excellent one.

[John Tapscott]

Fiery and exciting trumpet player. Played with the ongoing Basie Band under the leadership of Frank Foster for some years. R.I.P.  

[Rooster_Ties]

I'm pretty sure(?) I saw him once, or maybe even twice - in Kansas City - with Bobby Watson, as best I'm remembering.

Heck of a good player, as I'm recalling, and I'm sure I had his first leader-date on CD at some point or another.

RIP.

[danasgoodstuff]

I too saw him with Bobby Watson/Horizon, at the Dakota in the Twin Cities.

[Spontooneous]

Saw him with Horizon at least twice. Among other things, he was one of the few left who really knew how to work a plunger (on a trumpet, that is).

In a quote in liner notes somewhere (hope my memory is accurate), Bobby Watson called Melton's style "fried chicken with wine sauce." 

Always hoped I'd get to hear him again. 

[sidewinder]

More sad news. I too saw him with ‘Horizon’ about 25 years ago now and was impressed with his playing. RIP.

[JohnS]

More sad news.  I'm only familiar with his work with Bobby Watson.  Always impressed by his bright, clear sound.

[king ubu]

Not really familiar with his music ... but the solo he plays on "The Chicken" on Jaco's "Birthday Concert" was one of my earliest WHOAH-moments in jazz!

[Hardbopjazz]

R.I.P.  

 

[mikeweil]

R.I.P. I heard him on Bobby Watson's Horizon CDs - excellent player.