The Canadian music scene is mourning the passing of a giant.

Guido Basso was a champion of big band music and a leader of jazz orchestras at live concerts and on TV and radio throughout a career of more than 65 years.

As a trumpeter and flugelhornist, Basso was a charter member of Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass.  He worked as a musical director for numerous CBC programs and led big band concerts in Toronto with the likes of like Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

He was a member of the Order of Canada and won a Juno for best traditional jazz album in 2004.

Guido Basso died Monday in Toronto.  He was 85.