Early in 2020 I came across YouTube videos of Essential Ellington performances by several different bands. I circled in on Tucson Jazz Institute mostly because of Aubrey's solo performances. I thought "what an amazing talent". Then found some comments listing several names in the band. Eventually, a search for more videos of Aubrey led me to the news of his passing in 2018. I was completely crushed! I found a post from Aubrey's father saying he wished he had known because he knew he could have helped Aubrey. I feel the same way. I wished I would have known him as I'm certain I could have helped him too. I remember being 18 and having so many thoughts similar to what Aubrey may have had. Even though I didn't know Aubrey personally I can't help but feel a kindred spirit with him. Over a year later I still regularly listen to the TJI performances with Aubrey. His musical talent and performances thankfully recorded keep his presence alive for me and probably will for all my life. I hope that knowing how much Aubrey positively effected people, even those of us who didn't know him, will provide ongoing comfort to his friends and family.   With great sympathy, Mark

     I never personally knew Mr. Aubrey Martin. I come from a small school in North Idaho whose band teacher aspired to put us on stage alongside more successful jazz bands such as Tuscon Jazz Institute and Garfield High School. It was through my music program and my desire to transcribe solos that I discovered Mr. Martin and my love for the soprano saxophone. I had watched the Essentially Ellington video called "Cotton Club Stomp" by TJI around 100 times, attempting to transcribe Aubrey's amazing solo, before I noticed a comment on the YouTube Video expressing condolences over his passing. I have truly never seen a more talented young musician in my life, and knowing that he has gone on fills me with sorrow. I have watched him play music so many times that even though I have never seen him in person, Aubrey feels like a part of my life. I cannot imagine being in the shoes of his family and hope that his memory brings you only joy and never pain. 
     If I could say anything to Aubrey right now, I would shake his hand and thank him for inspiring me to be a better musician, for he has been a strong influence on me since I first discovered  his work in 2017. Goodbye, young man. I  hope your new life forever smiles upon you.

A recent search of instrumental jazz bands brought me to several videos of Essentially Ellington band performances. One that stood out was by Tucson Jazz Institute, 2015, Cotton Club Stomp. I must have watched that video no less than 50 times over  the past few weeks. Then I noticed one of the comments listed many of the performers and solists names, including Aubrey Martin.  I then discovered that he had won the Ella Fitzgerald award for 2015 from Essentially Ellington. Ultimately, I came across the obituary postings on the Internet for Aubrey Martin's untimely death on June 5th 2018.  This was a completely unexpected and disappointing find that I can't stop thinking about. Even though, this happened almost 2 years ago family and friends never really get over this kind of loss.  I offer my sympathy and prayers for Aubrey's family and friends. You can just tell from the 2015 video performance that Aubrey was a gentle and strong spirit. I'm certain every day someone is missing him and remembering the impression he made on them. As for those of us who didn't know Aubrey or his family personally we  can imagine knowing him while watching his 2015 Ellington performance; we see Aubrey shining at his brightest and best--always.

Hello, not sure if this page is still active, but I just wanted to say that I'm incredibly sorry to the family for the loss of Aubrey. I am from Chicago and didn't know Aubrey personally, but as someone who has been watching the Tucson Jazz Institute as a fan for many years, he has always struck me as one of the most talented and outstanding performers I have ever seen in the competition. All of his solos and each and every performance was always top-notch, and I enjoyed watching him play, especially in "Things to Come" and "Cotton Club Stomp". I recently found out about his passing online through some of the Jazz Center YouTube videos and was shocked to discover that such a talented young individual has left us. Rest in peace, Aubrey.

I recently asked Aubrey what he thought of Esme's intro to Lady of the Lavender mist, on the new Bojangles CD.  He just beamed with pride and
told me he though it was really good. I agreed. The entire CD is full of Love and he can feel it, especially now.

Here is Aubrey on the European Jazz Tour in San Sebastian, Spain in 2011. Hold on to your hearts and never let go. 

You were a kind, receptive, and sweet soul. Your talent was special and your voice unique. I will always miss your company and miss playing music with you, buddy. I don't remember the context of this photo, but despite being crushed by sam and myself, you still look like you're having a great time!

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. A huge loss that has saddened us all. But we have lots of memories, images, and so much music to remind us of Aubrey. 

His friends and teachers have been posting their photos and videos on the Tucson Jazz Institute Facebook page. Everyone is welcome to view them: https://www.facebook.com/tucsonjazzinstitute/ 

Aubrey has a HUGE 'jazz family' and we will do our best to continue to play for him and in honor of him ... because he is listening.

Aubrey was part of a dynamic group of young 'kids' who loved jazz. Learning and playing with the band became a significant part of their lives and they brought a tremendous amount of joy to everyone who listened to them. Of the dozens of musicians that reached the highest level, Aubrey was at the top of the class. He played all the saxophones: alto, tenor, soprano, baritone and clarinet. In recent months he was also excelling at the trumpet. He got along with everyone and was loved by everyone. He received numerous awards as part of the Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band and Concord Combo. Most notably was the Ella Fitzgerald Award presented to him by Wynton Marsalis at the 2015 Essentially Ellington Competition (Jazz Academy/Jazz at Lincoln Center). This award was awarded to the 'one' student, out of approximately 400, that had developed his own style and was ready to be playing at the highest professional level. There are no words to express our feeling of loss. But we can continue to remember and honor him with our music.

OBITUARY

Aubrey Louis Hwang Martin

April 28, 1997 – June 5, 2018

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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