from The Village Voice, The Sound of The City
February 4 - 10, 2004
by Roy Nathanson

Sam Furnace, 1954-2004
A precise and marvelous architect of jazz leaves this world

I first met Sam Furnace 30 years ago in the Henry Street Settlement Jazz Band, directed by Basie tenor man Billy Mitchell. We were both around 20 and he was the best and most elegant-sounding sax player my age I'd heard.

Sam couldn't decide between becoming an architect or a professional musician, so in a way he did both. He created precise and marvelous architecture with his crisp sound and the complexity and penetrating turbulence of his lines. On alto or baritone he could tear the roof off at will. He was an incredibly smart and funny guy and a musician's musician. On January 26, Sam left us.

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A memorial concert for Sam Furnace will be held March 7, at St. Peter's Church.