James Senese, the legendary Neapolitan saxophonist, has passed away at the age of 80 — leaving behind an irreplaceable voice in Italian and international music. From Bob Marley to Gil Evans, from the Art Ensemble of Chicago to Tullio De Piscopo and Pino Daniele, Senese’s saxophone resonated alongside some of the greatest names in music across genres and generations. Born Gaetano Senese in Naples on January 6, 1945, he was affectionately nicknamed “Brother in Soul” by American audiences — a title bestowed upon him in 1990 at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater. The label was more than fitting: Senese’s roots were deeply tied to both Italy and the United States. His mother was Italian, while his father was an African American soldier from the U.S. Army’s 92nd Infantry Division, stationed in Naples following the Salerno landings. The soldier eventually returned to the United States, leaving young James to be raised by his grandfather, Gaetano. Senese’s most famous musical project, Napoli Centrale, was founded in 1974 and went on to define a new sound blending jazz, funk, and the soul of Naples. With the band, he released timeless tracks such as “Simme iute e simme venute,” “Campagna,” and “’O nonno mio.” Though Napoli Centrale disbanded in 1983, the group reunited in 1992, while Senese also launched a successful solo career with albums like “Hey James” (1991) and “Zitte! Sta arrivanne ’o mammone”. Even in his later years, Senese never slowed down. Between 2015 and 2016 alone, Napoli Centrale performed more than 180 concerts across Italy, culminating in their final album, “’O Sanghe.” His music, deeply rooted in identity, struggle, and emotion, remains an enduring symbol of Naples — and of soul itself.