Frome musicians and locals have been expressing their sadness at the passing of one of the town's greats, Pee Wee Ellis, a remarkable saxophonist and composer.

Pee Wee, (Alfred) who had worked with some of the biggest names in the music world, from James Brown through to collaborations with Van Morrison, has died.

He was a regular at Frome events, supported the Frome Festival along with other local charities and independent businesses.

Born in Florida on April 21, 1941, he worked and lived in the United States, before in later years arriving in Frome, where he was a regular in the local music shops and most recently hosted a gig in aid of Fair Frome.

Ellis played with the James Brown Revue from 1965 to 1969 and while collaborating he arranged and co-wrote hits like "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud". In 1969 he returned to New York working with artists like George Benson, Hank Crawford and Esther Phillips. In the late 1970s he moved to San Francisco and formed a band with former Miles Davis sideman David Liebman. Between 1979 and 1986 he worked with Van Morrison.

In the later part of his musical professional life, he continued to tour as a player with the Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, a quartet comprising Ellis, drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Alec Dankworth and percussionist Abass Dodoo.

One of the tributes paid to him was simple : A sensational musician; a wonderful man.