Joe Lovano Nonet featuring Dennis Irwin, Bass

Dennis Irwin was one-of-a-kind, a man who profoundly touched everyone who crossed his path.

“Dennis left town on March 10, 2008,” Bret explains, “the day of a Jazz at Lincoln Center benefit organized by his friends Joe Lovano and John Scofield. It was the third benefit for Dennis, following similar events at Small’s, and the Village Vanguard. When the Jazz community learned of his life threatening illness, there was an immediate response, an unprecedented burst of love and support, both financial and spiritual.

He was the sort of person who inspired that. In addition to being a world class bassist, his essential goodness, his easygoing nature, and laid back sense of humor made him a welcome presence in every situation. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Joe Lovano, Steve Slagel, Ralph LaLama, Gary Smulyan, saxes

Barry Reiss, trumpet

Larry Farrell, trombone

John Hicks, piano

Dennis Irwin, bass

Lewis Nash, drums