The passing of a Jazz legend
Arthur ‘Art’ Webb also known as ‘Mr. Flute’ taken from the name of his Warner Brothers release passed September 15, 2022.
Art was born and raised in West Philadelphia. He studied at the Philadelphia Musical Academy now known as The University of the Arts. He (as mentioned) was a recording artist in his own right for Warner Brothers records in the 1970’s with his 1st release the popular ‘Mr. Flute’ but recorded for Atlantic Records, Gaslight Productions and has performed or recorded with a who’s who in Jazz. He was also an original member of Bassist Stanley Clarke’s band and recording ‘Children of Forever’ Stanley’s 1st ever recording which included Chick Corea.
I was fortunate to have played with Art when he came to my house in West Philadelphia when I was 14 years old brought over by his then best friend the late Ron Hartley who played guitar. I still remember the tunes we played and was mesmerized and also in awe of his playing, tone, and beautiful gracious spirit. Up until I went to Berklee College of Music, Art was the most accomplished musician I had ever played with period!
Art moved to New York in 1972 to play with Ray Baretto and his band being the youngest member. Later he moved to his final home in Los Angeles in 1986 and quickly established himself as a much in demand flautist. I was able to reconnect with Art later while recording my 1st CD. He was just as he was when I 1st met him, still a beautiful humble giving soul. The world of music and particularly Jazz will miss this phenomenal player.
Here is a partial list of the many artists he either performed or recorded with:
Ray Barretto Tito Puente Eddie Palmieri Charlie Palmieri Papo Lucca Chick Corea Herbie Hancock Dee Dee Bridgewater Stanley Clarke Freddie Hubbard Pharoah Sanders Hubert Laws Cecil McBee Candido Larry Harlow Phyllis Hyman Horacee Arnold Joe Quijano The SAR All Stars Bobby Rodriguez (bass) Jerry Gonzalez Hilton Ruiz Alfredo De La Fe Mario Rivera Jimmy Frisaura John Dandy Rodriguez Jorge Dalto Woddy Shaw Carlos Patato Valdes Nicky Marrero Igancio Berroa Ronnie Cuber Michel Camilo Pat Martino Lenny White Andy Bey Norman Connors Gary Bartz Jose Madera Machito Frank Grillo Jr. McCoy Tyner Azar Lawrence Airto Eddie Henderson Carlos Garnett Nat Adderley Branford Marsalis Randy Brecker Billy Mitchell Paquito D'Rivera Roland Prince
LAS VEGAS: Prince (2007)
R.I.P. Art. You made a difference
Here is a link to his ‘Mr. Flute’ on Warner Brothers: https://youtu.be/QhZUcScMj70