Sad news this morning of the passing of loved and respected saxophonist David Ades.
David had been seriously ill for some time, yet always seemed so full of vitality. It is hard to believe that he has gone, but as tributes flow in it is clear that David and his music will remain with us.
Our thoughts are with his family and many close friends.
These images speak for themselves. I have also added an excerpt below from the review of last year’s Wangaratta festival gig, David Ades & Friends, which will long remain in my memory.
Thank you David, for your music, your energy and your refusal to give in.
Vale David Ades
On fire: David Ades at Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival 2012
David Ades
David Ades
From 2012 at Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival review:
Alto saxophonist Ades has been seriously ill, but in WPAC Theatre on Saturday he was on fire, well assisted by Julien Wilson on tenor, Jonathan Zwartz on bass and former expat Danny Fischer (he’s back home) in great form. Joe the Kid, in honour of Ades’s dad, was ripping stuff, and Dreaming in Colour provided some great exchanges between Wilson and Ades. Marching Orders had some angst, delivered in a blistering fashion by Ades, and the closing piece had Wilson on bass clarinet before an all-you-could-ask-for solo by Ades. This was a top gig.
ROGER MITCHELL
Ausjazz Blog 
In the early 80’s with Serge Ermoll, Alan Turnbull and David we played at the Soup Plus every so often. I was green and cut my teeth with David in Sydney in the early 80’s on Double Bass.
We are all influenced by the people we meet in one way or another. While death is certainly part of the cycle of life, saying goodbye does not get any easier with age.
David was simply David. He did not try to be someone else. That in itself was a delight. His energy musically was incredible and he passed that positive energy onto almost everyone he ever worked with.
I was an associate in music of David and his contribution to the Australian music industry with his passing will be sorely missed.
Dave – I remember our teens with great fondness – me banging away on your drums and what ever other mischief we would get up to.
Your passing brings enormous sadness to all who love you. You leave behind a great legacy for us to enjoy, and remember.
Thank you for being you, bringing joy to our lives through your music and having such a gentle soul.
Rest in Peace my friend – you will not be forgotten.
Leiah
David, memories of the times you played for us in Bali and all the joy and happiness we all shared when living there are in my heart forever. You were a special human being, with love Ann
David, your unique energy & music will live for all. I remember first hearing you play as a boy in the Cross, so urgent, so passionate. Then next I heard you in Harlem, great music & musical belief, there were no limits. You were inspired by the best, and will yourself inspire many in the years to come. Rest in Peace. Ann