[Dixielandjazz] Al Belletto, RIP

[Charles Suhor]

I'm saddened to report that Al Belletto died last night. He was 86. Al was a fine alto saxist but he contributed immeasurably to modern jazz as a band leader and civic figure in New Orleans in ways too numerous to list here. He's prominent both in Thomas Jacobsen's new book. The New Orleans Jazz Scene: 1970-2000, and mine, Jazz in New Orleans: The Postwar Years Through 1970. He was a leader from his high school days until his health grounded him a few years ago. 

Charlie