Video: Local Jazz Player Remembered in Music

Friends, family and locals gathered to celebrate the life of local jazz musician Dwayne Burno last week at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan.

Fellow musicians and former bandmates shared memories and played music in memory of Burno, 43, who passed away three days after Christmas from complications of kidney disease. He left a wife, Wendy Watel-Burno, and 7-year-old son, Quinn.

“He was a great musician, and taken way too soon, ” said Spike Wilner, a piano player and co-owner of Smalls Jazz Club.

Another piano player, Raymond King, said he had known Burno since he was a 17-year-old music student in his native Philadelphia. “He was a violin player and decided to learn the bass. He could play anything.”

“He was dedicated. Dedicated to his family and to his music,” said Kim Smith, a family friend and jazz publicist.

Donations to Burno’s family can be made in his name through The Jazz Foundation of America and through fund.ly.