Bassist Bob Stata Dies

Bassist Bob Stata, who made his home in Rochester, N.Y., died June 14 of brain cancer. He was 52. Stata spent his career primarily as an accompanist to musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Marion McPartland, Diane Schuur and Stanley Turrentine. He did, however, release two albums as leader, 1998’s Solid State and 2004’s Get This.

Stata was born in Brookville, Ontario, to a church organist and began playing guitar when he was 13. He eventually switched to electric bass and then to acoustic bass in the 1980s. Stata studied jazz at the Hochstein School of Music before entering the Eastman School of Music, where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees. He later received his masters in music education from Nazareth College. He began teaching instrumental music at Allendale Columbia School in 1994, where he remained until his death. He also played regularly with Bob Sneider and the Mambo Kings.

Stata is survived by his wife, Claudia; daughter, Akira; son, Kai; mother Janet; and two brothers, William and Barry.

Donations in Stata’s memory can be made to Allendale Columbia School, 419 Allen’s Creek Rd., Rochester, NY 14618.

Originally Published June 23, 2005