Tag Archives: DownBeat
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
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
A 2007 DownBeat Article on Phil Woods for his 80th Birthday
For Phil Woods’ 80th birthday, here’s a DownBeat cover story from 2007. * * * Like all his fellow 2007 NEA Jazz Masters, Phil Woods worked hard at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in January. On the final … Continue reading
Filed under Alto Saxophone, Article, DownBeat, Phil Woods
For Jimmy Heath’s 85th Birthday: A 2001 DownBeat Article, and WKCR Interviews from 1993 and 1995
To observe the 85th birthday of Jimmy Heath, a long-standing master of the tenor saxophone and the art of composition, and a keen student of human nature, I’m posting a feature that I wrote for DownBeat on the occasion of … Continue reading
Filed under Albert "Tootie" Heath, DownBeat, Interview, Jimmy Heath, Tenor Saxophone, WKCR
