Pretoria – and South Africa – have just lost one of their top musicians with the death last week of Phil Holder, world-class saxophonist and jazz master. Thus ended his battle against cancer, with which he was first diagnosed in 2019.

A long-time resident of Clubview, Holder spent many years overseas in Europe, Canada, Australia and Spain. In the States, he performed from Las Vegas to Chicago, where his love for jazz and his own chosen instrument came into its own.

Holder was more than a jazz master, though. He has performed with orchestras, choirs and world-famous artists – and was a Unisa singing adjudicator. His time as a professional musician spans more than 40 years. At the beginning, he played in the South African Police band and by the mid-80s he was an established musician playing wherever the muse – and the music – took him.

Long-time friend and fellow professional muso Gavin Langevelt describes Holder as “the most dedicated and lovable musician, friend and talent that I ever knew and had the pleasure to work with”. His association with Holder spans more than 40 years and he pointedly describes him as being one of the top four saxophonists this country has.

He put Holder’s top position down to practice and dedication and said that his demeanour made him easy to work with.

But in 2019, when he received his first cancer diagnosis, his musical path came to a standstill, as treatment became his daily existence. After his first surgery, he hoped to fully resume his music career.

Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way.

The road was strewn with challenges, pain, treatment and surgeries. In April 2024, another massive setback came with the diagnosis of Colon Cancer. More treatments, and only a few months ago, another diagnosis, which turned out to be the final battle after a mass was found on his kidneys.

But his faith gave him perspective. He reached the understanding that the illness was a way to learn about himself and to slow down, he told Rekord earlier this year. It humbled him, he said.

He managed to put his Phil Holder Quartet together and the band did admirably well at the International Jazz Day at the Irene Country Club in May this year. However, shortly thereafter he became very ill once again.

Holder believed in sharing who he was through his music, and was described by those who worked with him as a gentle soul.

The music fraternity has lost one of its great souls.

ALSO READ: Musician returns to the saxophone after cancer battle

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