Chuck Loeb dies age 61.

Written by | Artists, News, obituary

Today the sad news of the death of guitarist, composer Chuck Loeb reached us. According to his family he passed away last night after battling cancer for several years. Best known for his work with  Getz and Steps Ahead Loeb had recorded more than 20 albums as a solo artist and had an extensive career as a studio musician.

To mark the passing of Chuck Loeb, Jazz Times published a comprehensive obituary.

“The music scene has suffered a devastating blow,” said bassist and longtime associate Will Lee in an email to JT. “Master guitarist and composer Chuck Loeb was so musical, he was one of those big-eared geniuses that heard the music in everyone and everything around him. Playing with Chuck on so many occasions, I can tell you that he had a way of utilizing my talents to get just what he needed out of me. He was so prolific—writing, producing and arranging for not only his own projects, but those of Carmen Cuesta, his multi-talented wife, daughters Lizzy Loeb and Christina Cuesta Loeb, as well as so many artists to whom he has contributed those talents. May Chuck’s incredible spirit be remembered in his music for all time.”

Born Dec. 7, 1955, in Nyack, N.Y., Loeb began playing guitar at 11, and by 13 he was gigging in local bands and had decided that music was all he wanted to do. He became interested in jazz while still in his teens, ultimately studying with Jim Hall on the recommendation of his prior teacher, Philadelphia guitarist and guru of sorts Dennis Sandole. After he graduated from high school, he enrolled at Berklee, where he studied for a couple of years before dropping out in 1976…..

Read the full obituary here.

Last modified: July 15, 2018