In May 2021, the jazz community in Buffalo and beyond lost one of the pillars of the storied history of jazz in Buffalo. Phil DiRe forever cemented his legacy when he founded the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s. Which, became fertile ground for the eventual launching of the careers of Spyro Gyra, saxophonist Joe Ford, bassist Sabu Adeyola, and others. His efforts back then led to the jazz on the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery which ultimately became sponsored by the Buffalo News after its initial few years.
Before his passing, DiRe penned and composed original tunes that were recorded in Florida with nationally renowned jazz musicians. On this date, a special celebration of the special person Phil DiRe was to all of us, his special music, and the CD release of “Legacy” will take place.
An occasion to honor the enduring legacy of a true Buffalo treasure.
The event will consist of a concert by a few of the many talented jazz musicians and friends in Buffalo Phil DiRe performed with over the years. Including those who shared the stage with him at recent memorable appearances at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY. Scheduled to perform are George Caldwell – on piano, Tim Clarke – on trumpet, Nelson Rivera – on tenor sax, Preston Brown – on drums, John Hasselback, Jr. – on trombone, Wendell Rivera – on percussion, Rick Strauss – on guitar, and Sabu Adeyola – on bass.
