THE local jazz fraternity went into mourning yesterday with the news of the sudden passing of talented jazz pianist Dave Marcellin. Marcellin, who celebrated his 56th birthday on April 12, was the son of veteran brass band leader Mano Marcellin.

Speaking to the Express yesterday, his brother Kurt said that Dave suffered cardiac arrest while seeking medical attention for a cold at Medial Associates, St Joseph. He developed breathing problems and was receiving oxygen when he went into cardiac arrest. Kurt said Dave had also been battling a hyper thyroid condition for the past five years.

Marcellin left Trinidad in 1972 for the US where he enjoyed a successful career as a jazz pianist. He returned home two years ago and was employed at UTT where he not only set up the jazz programme but was also artist in residence. He was due to perform this Sunday (May 1) at the Jazz On The Beach at Mt Irvine Bay Hotel along with several other jazz artistes. "He was looking forward to playing in Tobago and had already sent over his keyboards," Kurt said.

Marcellin leaves to mourn his wife Cheryl and daughters Francella, Donya and Daveta. Also his father and mother Mano and Joyce, brothers Kurt and Burt also musicians and sister Debbie. The funeral service takes place Tuesday, May 3, at the St Joseph R.C. Church at 11 a.m. and thence to the St Joseph cemetery.