JOHN RUOCCO – RIP

American reed maestro John Ruocco sadly passed away on Wednesday, May 21 in The Hague. He was 72 years old. The New Haven, Connecticut-born saxophonist and clarinetist migrated to Europe in the early 1980’s, initially teaching at the Conservatory of Liėge in Belgium from 1981-85, then landing a spot at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague in The Netherlands in 1987. He taught reeds and combo ever since and led the royal big band since the early 1990’s.

Ruocco was well-loved in the international jazz realm. The Hague jazz community mourns one of its most unique figureheads. It is not at a loss for words, crowding social media with bittersweet memories and homages. Ruocco was admired for his vast knowledge, uncompromising critical opinions, caustic wit and quirky wisdom. A mentor to myriad Dutch and international jazz artists.

Ruocco chose to live mainly out of the limelight, a humble touch of style that rather obscured his tremendous capabilities. Ruocco played with Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Barry Harris and many others. On clarinet, Ruocco was among the best of his generation. Not to mention an authority on stage.

Ruocco recorded sporadically, among others with Peter Herbolzheimer, Hein van der Geyn, Ricardo del Fra, John Abercrombie, Eric Ineke, David Liebman, Philippe Aerts and Richard Rousselet.

Lieb Plays The Beatles is a particular favorite of Flophouse, a collaboration of rare sensitivity and creativity also featuring Marius Beets and Eric Ineke. John Ruocco will be sorely missed.