February 26, 1958 – October 22, 2024

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Baritone-saxophonist Claire Daly passed away on Oct. 22, 2024 at the age of 66.

She was born on Feb. 26, 1958 in Bronxville, New York and first became interested in jazz after seeing a performance of the Buddy Rich big band.

Daly began playing alto and tenor-sax when she was 12, attended the Berklee College Of Music, and graduated in 1980.

After gaining experience playing with rock bands around Boston, in 1985 she moved to New York and began specializing in the baritone sax.

She made her recording debut with singer Lodi Carr in 1988, was on a 1990 album by the Kit McClure Big Band, and joined Diva where she was an original member, playing with the all-female orchestra for seven years.

Daly recorded seven albums as a leader starting in 1999, co led recordings with pianist Joel Forrester (using the band name of People Like Us), and recorded as a sideperson with George Garzone, Mike Longo, the JC Hopkins Biggish Band, Joe Fonda, Giacomo Gates, Matt Lavelle and others.

In addition to being a versatile soloist ranging from bop and post bop to avant-garde explorations, Claire Daly was considered an inspiring teacher and a beloved figure on the New York jazz scene.

Claire Daly performs “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” in 2019 with the Jazz Power Band, a quintet which also includes trombonist James Burton, pianist Eli Yamin, bassist Paul Beaudry, and drummer Dwayne Broadnax.

-Scott Yanow

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