The master has passed. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Barrie Lee Hall, Jr. who died today at 61. Hall was a musical icon not just in Houston, but the world over. Duke Ellington hand-picked the young trumpeter to join his trumpet section while Hall was still in college. He went on to lead Ellington’s band, win Grammy’s, tour the world, and do incredible work archiving Ellington’s collection. He was also an in-demand sideman working with Kenny Garrett, Patti La Belle and many others. The jazz community is stunned by this news. He was a true musical mentor and hero. This clip says it all about his playing: