Category Archives: DownBeat
Raw Copy of Benny Green’s Blindfold Test from Around 2000—He’s 49 Today
It’s the 49th birthday of Benny Green, one of my favorite pianists for many years. I’m appending below the unedited complete DownBeat Blindfold Test that he did with me more than a decade ago. * * * Benny Green Blindfold … Continue reading
Filed under Benny Green, Blindfold Test, DownBeat, Piano, Uncategorized
On the 63rd Birth Anniversary Of Michael Brecker, A 2000 DownBeat Article
In 2000 I had the honor of writing a long cover story for DownBeat about the extraordinary tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker on the occasion of his then-current CD, Time Is Of The Essence. He’d joined me several years before on … Continue reading
Filed under Article, DownBeat, Michael Brecker, Tenor Saxophone
For David Murray’s 57th Birthday, a Jazziz Article From 2007 and a DownBeat Blindfold Test From Ten Years Ago
David Murray turned 57 a few days ago; he’ll be in NYC next week to present his latest project, a big band collaboration with guitarist James “Blood” Ulmer, a partner on various projects over the last 35 years. I’ve appended … Continue reading
Filed under Article, Blindfold Test, David Murray, DownBeat, Jazziz
A 2002 DownBeat Blindfold Test with Butch Morris (Happy Birthday, Butch)
For Butch Morris’ 65th birthday, here are the proceedings of a Downbeat Blindfold Test that he did with me in November 2002. Butch Morris Blindfold Test (11-21-02): 1. Thad Jones, “One More” (from THAD JONES, Debut, 1991) (Thad Jones, tp; … Continue reading
Filed under Blindfold Test, Butch Morris, DownBeat
Memories of Max Roach, (b. Jan. 10, 1924, d. Aug. 16, 2007)
Four years ago, when Max Roach died, DownBeat asked me to write a multi-part appreciation—an obituary, an account of the funeral, and an assessment of his massive contribution to the sound of jazz. Towards this end, I interviewed some 20 … Continue reading
A 2006 Downbeat feature on Bucky and John Pizzarelli (it’s Bucky’s 86th Birthday)
7-string guitar master Bucky Pizzarelli turns 86 today. In 2006, DownBeat gave me an opportunity to write a feature piece on Bucky and his son, the guitarist-singer John Pizzarelli, which I’ve appended below. * * * Some fathers and sons … Continue reading
Filed under Bucky Pizzarelli, DownBeat, guitar, John Pizzarelli
James Carter’s Uncut Blindfold Test From 2000
James Carter, the saxophone and clarinet master, celebrated his 43rd birthday on Tuesday. Here’s an uncut Blindfold Test for Downbeat from 2000. * * 1. Roscoe Mitchell, “Dragons,” (from HEY, DONALD, Delmark, 1996) (Mitchell, soprano saxophone; Malachi Favors, bass; Jodie … Continue reading
Filed under Blindfold Test, DownBeat, James Carter, Tenor Saxophone
A 2002 Downbeat Profile of Frank Wess for his 90th birthday
Due to a foulup by my provider, my Internet has been down for the last week, a refreshing if frustrating lifestyle change. Today, though, it’s incumbent to observe Frank Wess’ 90th birthday, Jan. 4th, by posting a profile that I … Continue reading
Filed under Article, DownBeat, Frank Wess
Sam Rivers, (1923-2011) (r.i.p.) — A Downbeat Article From 1999 and Interviews
Just got word that Sam Rivers died on Monday, at 88. Loved his music and his sound on the tenor and soprano saxophone, was inspired by the various periods of his recorded career, from his Blue Notes all the way … Continue reading
Filed under DownBeat, Sam Rivers, WKCR
John Abercrombie’s Uncut Downbeat Blindfold Test
It’s John Abercrombie’s birthday, giving me an excuse to post the complete proceedings of a Blindfold Test I conducted with him about ten years ago. His responses were terrific. * * * John Abercrombie Blindfold Test (Raw Copy): 1. James … Continue reading
Filed under Blindfold Test, DownBeat, guitar, John Abercrombie
