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September, 2008

Sal Mosca was all music to me.

When I arrived and began studying with him at the young age of 25 he was direct, specific, and somewhat stern about what I needed to do to become a true jazz musician.  Before coming to Sal I had studied and played with some real jazz greats.  That did not impress Sal at all.  Only how I needed to improve was his interest.  We maintained an unbroken working relationship for twelve and one half years.  It certainly was not a social event, Sal was all music.  I loved him very much.

Often he came to many of my gigs in the NYC metro area.  Folks would say "did you see Sal" but I never had.  He discreetly stayed out of sight knowing that his presence would rattle me.   But then, at the following lesson, I would get the true read out.  Regarding music, everything Sal ever told me, even if I did not believe it at the time, turned out to be true.  I owe my entire musical life to Sal and it is all I have done since I was 15.

After I discontinued lessons, with his approval (which was notoriously rare), we spoke about once or twice a year.  Even during his hard times he would say "Peter, lets talk about you, I do not want to talk about me."  Then I would tell him about family and that I was working with Leggio and Crow and he liked that.  No words could ever tell truly how much he gave me.  I am endlessly grateful.  His work changed musical history whether most know it or not.

Peter Prisco
www.peterprisco.com

April, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Sal's passing and will always treasure the CDs he gave to me some years ago.

The finest thing about music is that it does not know age or endings.

Marcus Cornelius

February, 2008

Just  thinking of you Sal and wanted to share a thought on your guest book.

Thank you for helping  me appreciate pitch, form, chords, scales and most of all passion for music.

I started playing bass with a former Lennie T student, the great Lou Stellutti (where I learned all of the above plus how to think) and then started piano with you. I remember how reluctant you were of starting with a "new" piano student. Thank you for giving me the chance.

Peter F. Licursi 
peter.licursi@gmail.com

February, 2008

I just learned of Sal’s passing. I have very fond memories of his European leg of last year. Despite his ill health, he played beautifully. I was so thrilled to finally hear him live. I will cherish those moments forever.

 May his music live on.

 Rest in peace,

Ivo

December, 2007

Dear Sal

Thanks for all.
Your lessons and musical statements will always be a reference  to me. I  feel very privileged to have known you, and that you shared your knowledge in the short period I stayed in New York .
Fragile, but still so vital and deep! I am glad we met at the Bimhuis and  I heard one of your last concerts in Europe.
Rest in piece.
Thomas
(Thomas Winther Andersen, Norwegian bassist - Amsterdam)

December, 2007

It's sad, and difficult, to write about the loss of a great musician, and a kind man - Sal Mosca was both those things.
When I was living in Connecticut with my God parents, I got to see Sal and talk to him quite a bit. My God father, a man named Steve Silverman, was one of his students for over two decades. Sal would often come to the house for dinner. He was very dry, yet very direct; he always said what he felt. And, he had strong opinions about life as well ( I remember him once saying about his then new car, "It's going to be a piece of shit some day. All cars eventually become a piece of shit." He was on a roll about how things weren't as important as human beings.)

During my time in CT , about 2 years after having begun to play the bass, my brother filmed me playing a new years gig at an Italian restaurant in White Plains, NY. The band I was with played a bunch of Italian tunes and some standards. Sal saw the tape , and said to me, "Besides the Italian stuff, it sounds pretty good.". My late father, Warne Marsh, died before I'd ever learned to play, so Sal was the first truly heavy player to compliment my playing.  Sal was just that - heavy.  I was 21 years old. I can take encouragement from that.

So, to the Mosca family, you have my blessings, and to Sal - you were a kind man, and a true musical heavyweight. Thank You.  Rest in peace my friend.

Sincerely,

Jason Marsh

August 16, 2007

Sal Mosca was a pillar of truth and integrity in his art and in his life; he leaves us a rich, inspiring legacy.  Blessed be his memory.

Rocco M. Pugliese
Woodbury, Ct

August 15, 2007

Gratitude, for enriching us all with your uncompromising artistry.  
You will be much missed but your musical legacy will go on forever.

Demetri
Radio host on "Straight, No Chaser",  CFUV 101.9 FM, Victoria, Canada

August 8, 2007

It´s been very sad to know that Sal is dead. I´ve been a great fan for many years, last year I flew to New Jersey just to attend to his performance in "Trumpets" and it was magical. Although visibly in ill health, Sal produced incredible Jazz and that was one of the greatest musical experiences I´ve ever witnessed. He was very nice in indicating some rare record shops in NYC so I could find some rare Sal Mosca, and I did!

Marcello Menta
São Paulo, Brazil

mentanico@hotmail.com

Another student of Joe Solomon's checking in. I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. I am looking forward to hearing you play in person someday. Best wishes,Ed
Ed Fuqua <ed_fuqua@yahoo.com>
Jackson Heights, NY USA -

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