Celebrated Jazz Saxophonist and Mentor Joe Marillo Passes Away at Age 83
Renowned jazz saxophonist and mentor Joe Marillo, who made a significant impact on the San Diego jazz scene, has died at the age of 83. After relocating to San Diego in 1973, Marillo quickly became a prominent figure in the local jazz community. He organized concerts featuring jazz legends, hosted a radio show, established the non-profit Society for the Preservation of Jazz, offered saxophone lessons, and mentored numerous aspiring musicians. Moreover, Marillo tirelessly performed in various clubs and encouraged these venues to embrace live jazz music.
Until his health began to decline last year following a battle with cancer, Marillo remained a dedicated advocate for jazz. His demise occurred on Saturday morning at University Care Center near San Diego State University. Many musicians, including high-profile violinist Jamie Shadowlight, attribute their success to Marillo’s guidance and support. Shadowlight, who transitioned from classical to jazz music under Marillo’s mentorship, emphasizes his role as a connecting force for both young and established artists.
One of the many musicians who benefited from Marillo’s mentorship was bassist Bob Magnusson, who first played with Marillo at the age of 18. Magnusson’s encounter with Marillo proved to be life-changing as he went on to perform with jazz icons Buddy Rich and Sarah Vaughan. Marillo’s passion for jazz and his benevolence in sharing knowledge and aiding musicians have left an indelible mark on San Diego’s jazz scene.
While Marillo may not have attained national acclaim himself, his contributions to nurturing the jazz scene in San Diego are invaluable. Chuck Perrin, the owner of the Pacific Beach jazz club Dizzy’s, highlights Marillo’s commitment to establishing jazz in the city. When he arrived in the 1970s, Marillo was driven by the belief that San Diego had a rightful place in the world of jazz. Like the late Daniel Jackson, another significant figure in San Diego jazz, Marillo was known for supporting young artists.
Born on May 24, 1932, in Niagara Falls, New York, Joseph Louis Marillo discovered his passion for playing the tenor saxophone as a teenager upon hearing Charlie Parker’s recordings. After serving in the U.S. Army, Marillo embarked on a tour with his own band in the mid-1950s. In 1956, he joined Jimmy Cavello and The Houserockers, and even appeared in the music-centered movie Rock! Rock! Rock! alongside renowned artists like Chuck Berry and Connie Francis.
Marillo’s pursuit of musical education led him to enroll at Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1958. Later, he relocated to Las Vegas after receiving an offer to accompany singer Sammy Davis, Jr. In the 1970s, following his move to San Diego, Marillo organized shows at the Catamaran in Pacific Beach, featuring jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughan, and his own saxophone idol, Stan Getz.
Aside from his performances, Marillo was also a dedicated teacher, imparting his knowledge on the bandstand and formally at various institutions, including La Jolla Music School. He embraced the opportunity to teach, finding it immensely rewarding. Marillo believed age was irrelevant and continued to play music and teach kids, transcending societal expectations and norms.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the jazz community, Marillo received the San Diego Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He released his last album, titled Joe Marillo Plays Jobim, in 2006. Until his health declined, he regularly performed at Rebecca’s coffee house in South Park and showcased his piano skills in the lobby of Sharp Memorial Hospital on Monday mornings starting in 2011.
Joe Marillo is survived by his son, Miles, his daughter, Teresa, and his longtime partner, Darcy Abrahams. He is also remembered by his three sisters, Marie, Mae, and Grace, and two brothers, Anthony and James. While a private memorial is scheduled for Monday, a public tribute concert honoring Marillo will be held on May 24 at Dizzy’s in Pacific Beach. The passing of this jazz legend is mourned by the music community, but his legacy lives on through the music and musicians he inspired.
