ADELAIDE saxophonist, big-band leader and jazz lecturer Mike Stewart died suddenly on Monday.

Mr Stewart, 41, collapsed while jogging near his home and could not be revived.

New Zealand-born Mr Stewart moved to Adelaide in 1994 to begin jazz studies at the Elder Conservatorium and graduated with honours before joining its teaching faculty.

He won the Barossa Wine Makers Jazz Scholarship in 2001 and moved to the US with his then-wife, vocalist Jo Lawry, to study with jazz master George Coleman.

Another scholarship enabled him to pursue his masters degree in music at Purchase College, New York, in 2003.

Returning to Adelaide in 2006, Mr Stewart rejoined teaching staff at the Elder School of Music and became a significant presence on the local music scene, leading groups including the Mike Stewart Big Band, his quartet Airbenders and the merrymaking Adelaide Sax Pack.

Since 2007, he also was the state’s jazz co-ordinator and brought performers here including Bob Mintzer and George Garzone.

Mr Stewart is survived by his partner Lizzie Gregory, parents Max and Ruth in NZ, sisters Alison, Nicola, and Joanne, three nephews and three nieces.