Jazz legend Chris Vadala has passed away.
Vadala was a highly sought after jazz and classical performer known for his proficiency with the flute, saxophone, and clarinet. Additionally, he was an educator at the University of Maryland where he worked as the Director of Jazz Studies.
Vadala was also a Jazz tutor at the DeMatha Catholic High School for about 30 years.
Chris Vadala has performed in more than 100 recordings and worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Chick Corea, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder
Many former students and fans of Chris Vadala have left tributes in the wake of his untimely death.
Chris Vadala is regarded as one of the best saxophonists of all time. In tributes, many who knew him praised his humility and versatility as a musician.
Chris Vadala was from Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated from the Eastman School of Music for the saxophone. He received an M.A. in clarinet from Connecticut College as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree.