Chuck Loeb, jazz guitarist, composer and producer prominent solo artist and collaborator in the field of smooth jazz, died at 9 p.m. on July 31. Loeb was 61. He had suffered with cancer for several years. Chuck was best known for his associations with Stan Getz, Steps Ahead and Fourplay bands. He has recorded more than 20 albums as a solo artist, composed commercial jingles, TV theme songs and music for films, and had an extensive career as a studio musician.
Loeb began playing guitar at 11, and by 13 he was already gigging in local bands. He became interested in jazz while still in his teens, studying with Jim Hall. After he graduated from high school, he enrolled at Berklee, where he studied for a couple of years. In NYC where he moved
he began working as a sideman with various jazz players, including Chico Hamilton, Ray Barretto, Hubert Laws and Freddie Hubbard. Around 1979, Loeb joined Stan Getz band and worked with him for about five years. In 1984 Loeb joined Michael Brecker in the band Steps Ahead, with whom he toured and recorded for several years. Finally in 2010, Loeb replaced Larry Carlton in the smooth-jazz super-group Fourplay, with whom he toured and recorded for many years.
Loeb left his wife Carmen Cuesta Loeb and daughters Lizzy and Christina.
R.I.P.
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