Guy "Nino" Serena (1907-2008)

[saxhound]

Not a well known player, but a fixture in the Chicago big band scene for the past 80+ years. He played alto, tenor, bari & clarinet, but was most often found holding down the third alto chair with impeccable timing, great intonation and a beautiful clear sound.

Nino turned 101 in September, and kept on playing, and playing well, until just a few weeks before his death this week. He was also famous for draining the Crown Royal and raiding the sweet table at wedding gigs.

I'm going to miss him.

[Ed Svoboda]

I was thinking about giving you a call today and seeing how Nino was doing. That's too bad. He seemed like a really nice guy even though I only met him briefly.