MILES DAVIS - JAZZ DRUMMER ALIAS DIES

Jazz drummer DON ALIAS died in New York last week (28MAR06). He was 66. The percussionist, who has played for MILES DAVIS, NINA SIMONE, LOU REED, HERBIE HANCOCK, JONI MITCHELL and DIZZY GILLESPIE during his near 50-year career, died in his home, but the cause of death is yet to be determined. Alias was born to Caribbean parents in New York City and was educated in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. He landed his big break when he accompanied Gillespie at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island in 1957. Alias is survived by his companion MELANIE FUTORIAN, son CHARLES DONALD ALIAS JNR, daughter KIMBERLEE MARISA ALIAS and four grandchildren.