John-Tchicai-Obituary

John Tchicai

Obituary

COPENHAGEN (AP) - Danish saxophonist and pioneer of free jazz in Europe, John Tchicai, has died. He was 76.

Tchicai moved to New York in 1963 and co-founded The New York Contemporary Five with Archie Shepp. He later became a leading figure of the jazz avant-garde movement in Europe. He also played with John Coltrane, Milford Graves, Carla Bley and Steve Swallow.

Tchicai was born to a Danish mother and a Congolese father in Denmark. He returned to Europe in 2001 and eventually settled in southern France.

His former wife, Margriet Naber, said Monday that he had died in the hospital earlier that day. No cause of death was given but Tchicai has been in a coma since suffering a brain hemorrhage in June.

No funeral arrangements were immediately available.


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We were privileged to hear him at the Baden-Baden jazz festival in the late 60's and he played with us...it was a great time, and a profound period in unknown proportions. Thanks John Tchicai for remaining true to yourself.
Becky Friend - jazz flute

Good bye, dear John. We miss you.

Inga and Peter Laugesen

May god bless your family and Mr john rip.

A kind soul who created beautiful music throughout his career. A loss, but he did have a chance to be heard!

I would like to offer my condolences to the family. No doubt, Mr. Tchicai's contribution to the music world had an impact on many and he will be missed. May God strengthen and comfort you in your time of loss.

In times of sorry let us lean on GOD who cannot lie.He has said "Happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted".d.g(carolina)

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the peace of God that excels all thought bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Phillipians 4:7