Jimmy Vass

[Michael Weiss]

James Henry Vass Jr. was born to the late James H. Vass Sr. and the late Beaulah Vass on March 31, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As one of four children, Jimmy, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was raised in North Philadelphia, and attended the city’s public school system.

At the age of 12, Jimmy’s God given talent led him to a fascination with music. Years later, his mother would write, “When he was eighteen he got his first job. He saved his money. He bought his first tenor saxophone, and has been pursuing his dreams…”

In 1960, Jimmy met Angie Hudson, and in 1961, Jimmy and Angie were married, and were blessed with the birth of two sons, James III born in 1962, and Norvel in born 1963.

Also in 1963, the family moved to New York City. During this time, he worked various jobs to support his family while pursuing his career as a jazz musician. Jimmy remained in New York for the next 43 years honing his skills and technical expertise. As a result, he grew from being a musician to being a true artist. His list of associations and credits reads like a who’s who in jazz. Jimmy’s life is a reflection and a milestone in the history of the music he loved.

Jimmy not only loved music, but more importantly loved God. He became a follower of Islam. Inspired by and the attributes and the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah, Jimmy assumed the name Nur Abdullah. Nur meaning “The Light,” and Abdullah meaning “servant of God.”

Jimmy will be greatly missed by his two sons; two daughters-in-law, Pam and Kim; seven grandchildren, Kia, Christopher, Mahdiah, Arrianne, Mahdiya, Namir, and Kandice; one great-grandchild, India; brother, Warren; a host of nieces, and nephews; his loving companion Lea Kobayashi, and an abundance of friends and associates.

Lovingly Submitted,The Vass Family

September 25, 2006

JIMMY VASS Funeral

Thursday, September 28th

G. Choice Funeral Chapel,

2530 N. Broad St, Phila., PA

(215) 227-0100

Time: 10:00 am

The MEMORIAL for JIMMY VASS:

Saturday, September 30th

4PM Until ~

At the University of the Streets

130 East 7th Street (at Avenue A)

Take the #6 to Astor Place or the F to 2nd Avenue

The mailing list is currently disabled, so if you signed it in the last couple days, please just resend your info to jimmy@jimmyvass.com.

[Chuck Nessa]

Very sorry to hear this. Don't think I heard him "live" but received much pleasure from recordings.

[JSngry]

Same here. Always made it a point to hear anything I came across that had him on it and was never disappointed.

[ep1str0phy]

Count me among the fans. He (and his sound) will be missed.

[fasstrack]

I'm sorry to hear this. I knew Jimmy from around the NY scene. We played together a handful of times, mostly on sessions at the union or his stomping grounds, University of the Streets. He was a very sweet guy, always well-mannered, always with a beret on top. He asked me to give his girlfriend a guitar lesson once and we became a little tighter after that. He mentioned along the line he had a bypass or some kind of cardiac surgery. This would've been around '98 or so. I did notice an unhealthy palor but he kept on keepin' on. Last time I saw him was earlier this year at the union (Local 802, NY). It was a long time so we embraced, and I saw he looked unwell and tired. Sorry to hear this, truly. Good player, nice man.

[randyhersom]

It would be a good time to put on Andrew Hill's Divine Revelation on Steeplechase. Any other additions to the list of finest hours?

[Chuck Nessa]

Fond memories of a couple of dates with Rashied Ali on Survival. He's also on Andrew Hill's Blue Black.

[Rooster_Ties]

He's also on Andrew Hill's Blue Black.

I just happened to listen to Blue Black on Monday night, and again on Tuesday morning -- just prior to this thread having been started.

RIP, Mr. Vass. RIP.

[clifford_thornton]

Damn.

RIP to a fine, fine player.