Influential American jazz musician Paul Motian has died at the age of 80.
The longtime drummer and composer passed away on Tuesday (22Nov11) at a hospital in Manhattan, New York due to complications linked to a bone marrow disorder, according to his bandmate Joe Lovano.
The saxophonist, who has played with Motian since 1981, says, "He was a hard-swinging free jazz drummer with an uncanny sense of time-phrasing and form that was beyond description. His touch and sound, sense of dynamics were so personal and unmatched."
The percussionist first toured New England as part of a swing band, before joining the Navy and then later becoming a professional musician.
He rose to prominence in the 1950s, playing as part of Bill Evans' piano trio alongside bassist Scott LaFaro and later Chuck Israels.
During his career, Motian played with singer Arlo Guthrie at iconic music festival Woodstock in the 1960s, as well as performing with musicians including Marilyn Crispell, Bill Frisell and Leni Stern.
From the early 1980s he led a trio featuring guitarist Frisell and saxophonist Lovano.
More recently he performed at the Village Vanguard jazz club in New York, last playing at the venue in September (11).