Don Alias, 66, Percussionist and Sideman, Is Dead By Graham English on April 6, 2006 in In The News Don Alias, a percussionist who had a long career as a sought-after sideman, working with an illustrious array of artists in jazz and pop including Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Joni Mitchell, died on March 28 at his home in Manhattan. He was 66. Continue Reading