Eric Traub, the saxophonist who played with Dr. John, Maynard Ferguson, Galactic, Johnny Vidacovich and many more, has reportedly passed away at his home in Getzville, New York.

OffBeat was informed of Traub’s passing from Jason Mingledorff, who says Traub passed away on February 15 from sepsis, due to aspiration pneumonia. Mingledorff played sax with Traub in several bands, including the New Orleans Nightcrawlers.  They were also housemates, living in apartments on separate sides of the same building for a few years. He calls Eric “my mentor and good friend.”

“Although he left no family, Eric was beloved by this music community,” Mingledorff tells OffBeat.com. “His playing with Maynard Ferguson, Galactic, Johnny Vidocovich, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Luther Kent, Little Queenie and many others will be cherished by all of us who called him our mentor and friend.”

News of Traub’s death reached the New Orleans music community, including Basin Street Records, who took to Facebook to share the news. “RIP Eric Traub,” the message reads. “He first did outstanding sax work for us in 1999 on Kermit Ruffins’ Swing This! album. Then again and again and again and again…”

Traub’s credits on AllMusic.com reflect his extensive work on multiple recordings from Ruffins, as well as Dr. John’s Goin’ Back to New Orleans, Galactic’s Coolin’ Off and several Maynard Ferguson projects dating back to the 1970s.

OffBeat sends its condolences to those who loved Eric Traub. Look for an official obituary in a future issue of OffBeat.