"A very sad loss, and my condolences to his family and friends. 

A loss also for his contribution to music. He was well-grounded in jazz from very early on, and later managed to combine this with African and rock music to create his own inimitable style of playing. 

I was lucky to play with him in Ginger Baker’s Air Force, and to meet and work with such luminaries as Phil Seamen, Harold McNair and Graham Bond. And also in Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Rick Grech. Although his appointment was very unorthodox (he showed up on the doorstep and said, 'Here I am') - he made a great contribution to the Blind Faith album which has withstood the test of time.

Beneath his somewhat abrasive exterior, there was a very sensitive human being with a heart of gold. 

He’ll be missed."

- Steve Winwood

Photo credit: Doug Hartley