ROB McCONNELL PASSES AWAY

Rob McConnell passed away May 1, 2010 at the age of 75. Here is the Canadian Press obituary:

TORONTO - Canadian jazz musician Rob McConnell, who led Toronto's jazz popular Boss Brass orchestra during his lauded career, has died of cancer. He was 75.

The London, Ont., native took up valve trombone in high school and began his career in 1954 in Edmonton, where he played with saxophonist Don Thompson.

He formed the Boss Brass in Toronto in 1968 and guided the group through the tremendous growth that occurred over the following years, including a Juno win in 1978 for their "Big Band Jazz" album.

It was one of five Juno Awards for McConnell.

He also won three Grammy Awards, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1997.

Grammy organizers called McConnell "a true renaissance man in the genre of jazz."

"A trombonist, bandleader, composer/arranger, songwriter, and music educator, he wore many hats and all contributed to his great body of work and his unwavering devotion to the music he loved," said a statement from Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys.

"His sense of storytelling and humour infused his dynamic career, which will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends, and all who have enjoyed his music."