The man who was to have led last night's Jazz Legend 2000 concert at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts is instead, according to fellow artist Bob Crenshaw, "now in God's band''.

Saxophonist Stanley Turrentine succumbed to a heart attack at 7.58 p.m. on Tuesday evening in a New York hospital. He had been on life support following a massive stroke on Sunday evening.

Mr. Turrentine had stopped over in New York to perform at the Blue Note night club on his way to Bermuda. Last night's concert was his dream, and according to jazz keyboardist Dr. Lonnie Smith, the saxophonist was really looking forward to it.

"Bermuda was a special venue for Stanley,'' he said. "It was something which he chose and wanted to do. He had something planned in his heart. I talked to him a couple of days ago and he was really looking forward to being here. It is a very sad thing.'' Dr. Smith, who has known Mr. Turrentine for many years, described the late jazzman as "definitely one of the greats''.

"Stanley had a style of his own that made an imprint on a lot of musicians, and not just horn players,'' he said. "He also brought to the bandstand a real musical experience. I loved playing with him.

"There are people who play notes, and there are people who play from deep down inside. Stanley only played what came from his heart, and we talked and laughed about that many times.'' While preparing for last night's concert, Dr. Smith said: "I know we are going to be playing for Stanley.'' Jazz great now `in God's band' Our hearts and prayers will be in the music. This is a special thing for us, and I am quite sure he will feel our presence.'' Bass player Bob Crenshaw was similarly saddened by the loss of his long-time friend, with whom he had worked and recorded over many years.

"I played with Stanley, maybe six months ago, at a memorial service for vibrophonist Milt Jackson. We did a memorial concert for the jazz festival in New York,'' he recalled.

Also speaking before last night's show, Mr. Crenshaw explained that while all of the artists had played with Mr. Turrentine at some time in their careers, they had never played together as a group before coming here.

"Stanley had something in mind when he chose us to come here to perform with him. We have no idea why he brought us together, so it is a divine situation that we are all here, and we are going to do what we feel Stanley is guiding us to do. He had a role for all of us, and all of us are here for one purpose.'' In fact, said Mr. Crenshaw, "I am sure Stanley is looking down on all of us.

He was a great musician, and I know he is in God's band, and among some really great musicians already, including those whom we followed who have recently passed on.'' Pianist David Budway, who had been playing with Mr. Turrentine for the past year, described the saxophonist's passing as "a great loss''.

"It was wonderful making music with Stanley, and I really appreciated the opportunity of playing with him,'' he said. "Both he and his wife Judith were really great. I know we are going to miss him. Stanley was one of a kind.'' Mr. Turrentine was 66 at the time of his death. Funeral services are pending.