TRIBUTES have been paid to a jazz musician from Bolton who died of a heart attack at the age of 72.

Father-of-seven Gabe Essien was known across the North-west for his music with the Savannah Jazz Band and other performers.

The clarinetist was at the home of his second wife, Yvette, on October 10 when he suffered a thrombosis-induced heart attack.

Family and fans have paid tribute to the former Bolton Grammar School pupil, who grew up in the town after leaving Liverpool with his parents during the war.

His son, Simon Essien, aged 35, of Brodick Drive, Breightmet, said: "It was a big shock for us all because he was very fit and healthy.

"He was sitting with Yvette and their son Louis when he had the heart attack."

Mr Essien said his father lived alone in Cross Street, Radcliffe.

The former industrial chemist found his renowned New Orleans style in the 1960s and became well known for performances across the North-west.

He married his first wife, Margaret, in 1960 and the couple had four children, Janet, Catherine, Michael and Simon.

Mr Essien later married Yvette, the mother of Louis, Lauren and Dayton.

"He loved spending time with his family," said Mr Essien.

"He hadn't been able to play much music in the last six months because of a strain injury to his hand but he was unbelievably talented.

"As well as his love for music, he became very interested in computers and could turn his hand to anything practical."

His funeral will be at St Osmund's Roman Catholic Church, Long Lane, Breightmet, on Tuesday at 11am, followed by burial at Heaton Cemetery at 12.15pm.

His family have asked that any donations are made to the Sudden Infant Death Society.

Friends and family have left tributes to Mr Essien at gabeessien.com