Saxophonist Andrew D’angelo Has Brain Tumor

Saxophonist/composer Andrew D’Angelo suffered a major seizure on January 25 while driving in Brooklyn, NY. Tests in the hospital revealed a large tumor in his brain. D’Angelo will undergo brain surgery at some point in the next few weeks. At this time, it is believed that the tumor is not cancerous, but this will not be confirmed until a biopsy is performed.

Because D’Angelo has no health insurance, a fund has been established to help with the costs of his surgery and recovery. Donations can be sent via PayPal at [email protected]. Benefit concerts are currently being planned for New York City and Boston. More information about these concerts will be posted on Andrew D’Angelo.com as soon as it is available.

D’Angelo, born 1966 in Seattle, Washington, is one of the key members of Brooklyn’s avant-garde jazz community. His work as a composer, performer and bandleader has been a pivotal influence on his peers, as well as on younger generations of musicians. He first achieved worldwide notoriety as a member of Human Feel with his longtime friends Jim Black, Chris Speed and Kurt Rosenwinkel. After moving to Brooklyn in 1986 he joined the downtown music community centered around the Knitting Factory, working with musicians like Mark Dresser, Erik Friedlander, Bobby Previte and many other leading artists. He is also currently a member of the Matt Wilson Quartet and Hilmar Jensson’s band Tyft. Skirl Records released Skadra Degis, the debut of D’Angelo’s trio with Jim Black and Trevor Dunn, on January 31.

For more information, please visit Andrew D’Angelo.com.

Originally Published February 14, 2008