A friend of mine was the house pianist in a bass, drums and piano trio at a jazz club in NY, and Sonny was the guest artist one weekend.
As soon as he came in, he told the three musicians they could pack up their instruments and go home if they wanted to, he was going to play the whole four hour gig alone.
My friend stayed to listen. Sonny played the whole four hours and knocked everyone out
Great stories, links & tunes, thanks Marc! The idea to tour his childhood areas was excellent & interesting to see the map, but I still dig your idea about the downtown jazz club tour to remember gigs & fellow musicians which would have certainly been wonderful reminiscing stories as well!
A fitting tribute to one of the greatest and longest lives in jazz. Envious of the access that you and Bret Primack had to Newk. You are lucky fellas. I am doubly pleased that the musical selections are among my favorites - Sonny, you and I are in accord on that. I also love the photo you took. There are a handful of artists whose passing brings you up short. I remember feeling this way when Dizzy Gillespie died.
Glad you enjoyed, Peter. Funny you should mention "up short." We always miss those who were here and we just thought they'd always be here. Then they pass, we realize they were so special that we question whether they were here at all beyond the amazing body of art they left behind. That Coleman track always gets me. I asked Sonny about it. He recalled Earl was hanging around the studio and could sing. So he did and he wanted him on the session and blew behind him. The two tracks were impromptu for the date. So soulful. Long live Sonny.
I remember your column coming out when you walked around Harlem with him. Thank you for the bevy of links and for the 2009 interview which I also remember reading at the time.
A friend of mine was the house pianist in a bass, drums and piano trio at a jazz club in NY, and Sonny was the guest artist one weekend.
As soon as he came in, he told the three musicians they could pack up their instruments and go home if they wanted to, he was going to play the whole four hour gig alone.
My friend stayed to listen. Sonny played the whole four hours and knocked everyone out
Great stories, links & tunes, thanks Marc! The idea to tour his childhood areas was excellent & interesting to see the map, but I still dig your idea about the downtown jazz club tour to remember gigs & fellow musicians which would have certainly been wonderful reminiscing stories as well!
I don’t remember the column — probably before I subscribed — but that must have been amazing.
A fitting tribute to one of the greatest and longest lives in jazz. Envious of the access that you and Bret Primack had to Newk. You are lucky fellas. I am doubly pleased that the musical selections are among my favorites - Sonny, you and I are in accord on that. I also love the photo you took. There are a handful of artists whose passing brings you up short. I remember feeling this way when Dizzy Gillespie died.
Glad you enjoyed, Peter. Funny you should mention "up short." We always miss those who were here and we just thought they'd always be here. Then they pass, we realize they were so special that we question whether they were here at all beyond the amazing body of art they left behind. That Coleman track always gets me. I asked Sonny about it. He recalled Earl was hanging around the studio and could sing. So he did and he wanted him on the session and blew behind him. The two tracks were impromptu for the date. So soulful. Long live Sonny.
I remember your column coming out when you walked around Harlem with him. Thank you for the bevy of links and for the 2009 interview which I also remember reading at the time.
Thanks, Matt. So glad you enjoyed. I appreciate your kind words.
much enjoyed and appreciated.