The 40-year-old saxophonist and singer James Casey, well-known for his collaborations with the Trey Anastasio Band, Meghan Trainor, Billy & The Kids, Phil Lesh, and many more has sadly departed.
He had a strong following of fans who adored his particular tone and musical style. He was a brilliant musician. Numerous people who were his followers were surprised by his death and left wondering how he died.
His death was confirmed through various social posts. His loved ones and family are mourning and heartbroken about his passing due to colon cancer.
“RIP to the wonderful James Casey. It was a pure joy to watch you perform and light up the stage with your talents, energy and charm. Get screened for colon cancer and be an advocate for your health. For James.”
James Casey confirmed a colon cancer diagnosis in July 2021. After urgent surgery to remove a tumor, Casey spent almost a week in the hospital. He started a rigorous chemotherapy treatment plan after that.
While receiving treatment, Casey, who performed with TAB on keyboards and sang, could not attend the 2021 Fall Tour and other events. In the short documentary Music As Medicine, Casey chronicled his battle with cancer.
About James Casey:
Washington, D.C., is the city where James Casey was born. He was raised in Phoenix when his musical family moved there.
Casey began playing the drums and the saxophone at the ages of 3 and 9, respectively.
Then, to pursue a degree in music business, he enrolled at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. While living in Boston, he began playing live with Soulive and Lettuce. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s house band is led by Louis Cato, who founded a band.
James was more than just a musician; he played multiple instruments, sang, produced, and composed music. His set includes songs from many eras and genres, such as Michael Kiwanuka’s “Final Days” in 2020 and “Another City” by Brooke Parrott from 2008.
His band, Animus Rexx, demonstrated the range and depth of his creative imagination. He was comfortable in a studio environment, where he influenced the ideas of numerous artists.
Tributes:
“RIP to my bro James Casey. Amazing person and musician, and one of the first people i met to school me on the ways of Berklee, when I first got there. Rest Well!”
“So sad to share the news that James Casey has passed. James was such a wonderful guy and an immensely talented musician. I remember meeting James and working with him at Bear Creek when he came with Lettuce for the first time. We did a bunch of other shows and festivals together and James became a big part of the extended Suwannee family. His musical partnership and friendship with Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman as part of the Trey Anastasio Band horns was so inspiring. I am thankful to have called James a friend and I will miss him very much. Much love to his wife Ayla and his friends and family.”
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
