This from Gil's sister, Olga, husband, Kyron, and mother, Frances Reyes Jimenez, who have just arrived in Houston to make arrangements for their loved one:

A memorial service and tribute will be held at:

Bill Clair Family Mortuary, 2603 Southmore at Ennis off Highway 288. On June 22 and June 23, 2000 from 6:00 - 9:30pm each evening in the Fairchild Memorial Chapel, 713-522-9030; fax 713-528-4065.

Musical tributes/sets will be played by various musical Houston musicians/friends to include Gil's lastest group, Universal Rhythm. Two sets will be played each evening. Musicians interested in participating in these sets should contact:

(1) Rick Porter , Houston Jazz Society 713-978-6617 or cell phone 713-409-4847, and

(2) Willie Cruz, percussionist w/ Universal Rhythm at 281-550-4170 home, 713-247-6695.

We can be reached at 713-960-1280 or cell numbers 361-215-6580 (Kyron) or 361-815-0731 (sister Olga). We thank you for your expression of sympathy and condolences, and all your help.

Any monies which can be raised will be used to cover funeral expenese and to offset the costs of finishing Gil's/Universal Rhythm's first CD (which was in progress). Muchas gracias...

Olga and Kyron

P.S. Gil's remains will be buried in New York with our father and sister. ******************** Original Item:

Houston has taken another major hit to its jazz scene with the loss of one of its cherished players. Saxophonist Gil Valentin was found dead in his apartment Saturday. Gil was a major part of the Houston music scene and had almost completed a CD that was due to come out within the next few months. He had performed in and around the Houston area since the early eighties when he arrived in Houston from New York City.

Of Puerto Rican descent, Gil was born and grew up in New York. In recovery, he came to Houston in the early eighties for a new life and to be near his sister who had recently married and settled in Houston. Gil had appeared at Cezanne several times recently with his band, Universal Rhythms, with whom he was recording. Gil played both Latin Jazz and straight ahead with a verve, a spark, and a soulful feeling. He had been playing regularly with Conrad Johnson's band, previously with Horace Grigsby, was the first saxophonist with Rick Porter's Music Unlimited band and had jobbed with many others.

I met Gil some years ago on jazz night at Rudyards. I was always impressed by what a sweet, gentle soul he seemed--such an impressive player, yet always so humble, respectful, and kind to everyone around him. This sensitivity pervaded his playing and his life. I know we will all miss him very much.

His beloved girlfriend, Martha Wolf, and other friends had been trying to reach him. Finally she contacted the police who forced open the bolted door.

Funeral arrangements will be posted here as soon as they are available. If anyone wants to assist the family, we are working on arranging donations through the Musician's Benevolent fund. You may email me directly, (ddunlap@mediage.com) and I will provide you with the information.