Samuel Burtis, 78, of the Bronx,  passed away in his sleep on December 29, 2023 after a brief illness.

Sam was born on October 2, 1945 in Troy, New York. After briefly attending Ithaca College, and then Berklee College of Music, Sam embarked on a musical journey in New York City and around the world that would span the next five decades. He was a lifelong freelance brass player, but also an arranger, composer, music director, and music educator. Some highlights of his illustrious and storied life include his work as the original music director of the the Charles Mingus Big Band, trombonist and arranger for the Tito Puente Latin Jazz Ensemble and the Tito Puente Orchestra, arranger for the Lee Konitz Nonet, the Loren Schoenberg Orchestra, and the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Orchestra. He also performed on numerous other records, commercials, and at least forty on-and-off Broadway shows. Beginning in the late ‘90s under the handle “Sabutin”, Sam was a regular contributor to online trombone forums in matters of advanced technique, technical questions, and musical discussions. His opinionated, yet knowledgeable, posts influenced and encouraged many other trombonists, novice and experienced alike. Sam authored two books about trombone technique: “The American Trombone” and “Time, Balance & Connections: A Universal Theory of Brass Relativity.”

Sam was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his brothers Warren Burtis and Dwight Burtis, nephew Tobias Lowry, son James Burtis, daughter-in-law Jessie Miglus, and beloved granddaughter Elizabeth Burtis. A private spreading of ashes will be followed by a celebration of life for friends and family this spring in New York City. As Sam would say, “Bet on it”.

Obituary submitted by James Burtis. A tribute to Mr. Burtis was posted at CharlesMingus.com as well as Trombone Chat. Other video clips and posts about Sam Burtis can be found here.