James Senese

Gaetano "James" Senese (6 January 1945 – 29 October 2025) was an Italian saxophonist, composer and singer-songwriter.

Life and career Senese was born in Naples, the son of Anna Senese and James Smith, an American soldier from North Carolina in Italy because of World War II. Senese started playing the saxophone at 12 years old.

In 1974 Senese co-founded and led the jazz-progressive rock group . After the group disbanded in 1978, he started a long collaboration with Pino Daniele, both in studio and on stage. His first solo album was released in 1983 by Polydor Records.

Senese died of pneumonia at Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, on 29 October 2025, at the age of 80. He had been hospitalised since 24 September.

Discography James Senese (Polydor, 1983) Il passo del gigante (Tobacco, 1984) Alhambra (EMI Italiana, 1988) Hey James (Blue Angel, 1991) Sabato Santo (Polosud, 2000) Passpartù (ITWHY, 2003) Tribù e passione (with Enzo Gragnaniello) (Edel Italia, 2003) E' Fernut' 'o Tiempo (Arealive, 2012) O sanghe (Alabianca/Warner, 2016) Chest nun é a terra mia - (Arealive, 2025)