Saxophonist and flutist Gerry Niewood died in the plane crash in Buffalo last night. He was a wonderful player whose saxophone was heard most famously with Chuck Mangione and on the Concert In Central Park album by Simon & Garfunkel.

Niewood was one of the first horn players I ever knew by name because Paul Simon yells out his name after a solo on that live album. I’ve always been a huge Chuck Mangione fan, too, and own all the LPs that Chuck and Gerry made together, many of them recorded in their native Rochester.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gerry Niewood in 2004 at Jazz90.1. He was very gracious, humble and funny. I interviewed his son Adam in the fall of last year. He’s also a very talented saxophonist, and he talked quite a bit about Gerry during the interview.

LISTEN to the interview with Adam Niewood. He starts talking about his dad halfway through.

My condolences go out to Adam and the entire Niewood family. What a sad, sad day.

UPDATE: Here are some of the many press stories about Gerry’s passing:

• Buffalo crash silences saxophonist Gerry Niewood
• Two Jazz Musicians On Board
• Buffalo crash silences Gerry Niewood, Rochester native and saxophonist (From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
• Gerry Niewood, Glen Ridge Jazz Musician, Perishes In Plane Crash

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The tragedy in New Orleans was a turning point in my life, even though I’ve never been there. For me, it was the single most glaring example of what’s wrong with our government and right with our nation. I’ve been featuring New Orleans charities — particularly those that deal with cultural restoration — in my Cause of the Month for quite a while now. I’m proud to announce the newest addition:

Musicians’ Village was conceived by New Orleans natives (and jazz musicians) Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis. Musicians’ Village will provide a home for both the artists who have defined the city’s culture and the sounds that have shaped the musical vernacular of the world.

Please visit them today and give whatever you can afford. Thank you.

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Every month, The Jazz Session asks you to take a little of your hard-earned cash and give it to folks who need it. This month’s cause:

The mission of the Tipitina’s Foundation is to restore Louisiana’s irreplaceable music community and preserve the state’s unique musical cultures. The history of the Tipitina’s Foundation originates from the Tipitina’s music venue, a revered cultural icon that continues to be instrumental in the development and promotion of New Orleans music around the world. The foundation works to support childhood music education, the professional development of adult musicians, and the increased profile and viability of New Orleans music as a cultural, educational, and economic resource.

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Every month, The Jazz Session asks you to take a little of your hard-earned cash and give it to folks who need it. This month’s cause:

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving elementary school children of all backgrounds and, diversities. In its capacity as a public charity, the Foundation operates in affiliation with, but separately from, VH1 the cable music channel.

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation provides a unique service in its efforts to improve the current state of education. The Foundation works directly to support only music education programs and does not provide any money to the school or school district. Instead, The Foundation provides complete band, string, keyboard, or guitar programs to benefiting schools. It is our belief that by providing instruments and not funding, our contribution will be used for its intended purpose: the restoration of public school music programs.

Please help these folks do what they do by visiting their Web site. Thanks!

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In May, I was asking you to support Bloggers for a Cure. That seemed like such a good idea that I’ve decided to launch a regular feature, The Jazz Session Cause of the Month. This month, it’s:

Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. They present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations. Their criteria for recipients are that they be rooted in a Southern musical tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income of less than $18,000. Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3.

Please help these folks do what they do by visiting their Web site. Thanks.

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