Joe Zawinul Hospitalized In Austria

By I Aug. 8, 2007

Composer and jazz musician Joe Zawinul has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness, Austrian officials told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Zawinul, 75, was admitted to Vienna’s Wilhelmina Clinic on Sunday, the Viennese Hospital Association said.

The group declined to confirm reports by Austrian public broadcaster ORF that Zawinul was seriously ill, saying the musician had requested that his rights as a patient and a private person be respected. The Austrian press had reported that he was being treated in the hospital’s oncology department.

Zawinul’s BirdJAM record label told AP that it was unclear whether the Austrian-born musician would be able to play concerts scheduled for next month. Zawinul was supposed to take part in the “Jazz a la Villette” festival in Paris on Sept. 6, as well as several concerts in Vienna soon thereafter.

Zawinul has long been a pioneer in the world of electronic jazz. He found fame with Cannonball Adderley, went on to work in Miles Davis’ first electric band, then formed Weather Report with Wayne Shorter.

This past spring, he toured Europe to mark the 20th anniversary of the Zawinul Syndicate. He sought medical attention when the tour ended, the Hospital Association said.