Another wonderful entry to your collection here. I am so appreciative of Benny Golson as a player, and especially as a composer. “Along Came Betty”, “Whisper Not”, “I Remember Clifford”, “Are You Real?”,
and “Park Avenue Petite” are amazing. There are many others. He was also a very nice man, at least when I had a chance to see him. A true giant!
I get so much from reading your articles Todd. More than you. Know. I was fortunate enough to spend a day with Benny Golson. He played and spoke and I even got to have lunch with him. Very nice man. I’m also more choosey about the gigs I accept these days. I play more for the love of playing and who I’m playing with than for the money thankfully. If I don’t like the Md, or the music that we’re playing, I let it go. I’m glad that I’m still offered gigs!
The Jazztet was such a classic, and classy, group. To your point about choosing which gigs to take--our generation is fortunate that we can now be so choosy. I do worry about the young players who aren't getting enough opportunities to play. I think both the scene and all players might benefit from having more cross-generational performances. Not to mention more mixed bands in terms of race and gender.
To your point, in my experience at least, the young generations, for the most part, do not seem to be interested in any experience or wisdom those in my generation have to offer. I was of the opposite mindset in my youth. I wonder if it is genuine indifference or perhaps peer pressure. The last time I was hired by musicians under 40 was two years ago to play with them as wallpaper music at a trendy restaurant. Haven't heard from them or any in their generation since. I believe many of my colleagues have experienced similar. I have hired younguns to appear with me in highly visible NYC venues, as it appears to be what I can do to pay it forward. Regardless, none of this poses a problem for me whatsoever. People know how to reach me.
What you experienced as a jazz musician must be true for classical musicians and any other form of music. John and I believe you should definitely put all your blogs into a book. I think it would become a classic in itself.
You are probably right. I suppose it is all about people, places, and things. Perhaps if I write enough blogs to fill a book, I will consider publishing one. Happy belated Mother's Day, by the way.
Todd, I can imagine how rough that night in Buffalo was. I played the same room in the late 90s or early 2000s on a late winter, dreary, blustery evening, with the Either/Orchestra. Even though we had a reasonable-sized audience, the room is so cavernous, it felt like no one was there. But what a great story! And, of course you were incredibly well prepared. I'm waiting for the story where you didn't know which way was up, but I'm not holding my breath. Thanks for yet another great story.
Another wonderful entry to your collection here. I am so appreciative of Benny Golson as a player, and especially as a composer. “Along Came Betty”, “Whisper Not”, “I Remember Clifford”, “Are You Real?”,
and “Park Avenue Petite” are amazing. There are many others. He was also a very nice man, at least when I had a chance to see him. A true giant!
I get so much from reading your articles Todd. More than you. Know. I was fortunate enough to spend a day with Benny Golson. He played and spoke and I even got to have lunch with him. Very nice man. I’m also more choosey about the gigs I accept these days. I play more for the love of playing and who I’m playing with than for the money thankfully. If I don’t like the Md, or the music that we’re playing, I let it go. I’m glad that I’m still offered gigs!
Thanks again for sharing ❤️🎶🎶🎶
It was indeed the “Tralf”, the place to see the best jazz in town, right on Main St, across from the old UB campus.
The Jazztet was such a classic, and classy, group. To your point about choosing which gigs to take--our generation is fortunate that we can now be so choosy. I do worry about the young players who aren't getting enough opportunities to play. I think both the scene and all players might benefit from having more cross-generational performances. Not to mention more mixed bands in terms of race and gender.
To your point, in my experience at least, the young generations, for the most part, do not seem to be interested in any experience or wisdom those in my generation have to offer. I was of the opposite mindset in my youth. I wonder if it is genuine indifference or perhaps peer pressure. The last time I was hired by musicians under 40 was two years ago to play with them as wallpaper music at a trendy restaurant. Haven't heard from them or any in their generation since. I believe many of my colleagues have experienced similar. I have hired younguns to appear with me in highly visible NYC venues, as it appears to be what I can do to pay it forward. Regardless, none of this poses a problem for me whatsoever. People know how to reach me.
Right, we can lead them to water but can't make 'em drink.
Amen.
Thanks for another great post. Benny’s music is stunning and he is one of my heroes.
Mine too.
What you experienced as a jazz musician must be true for classical musicians and any other form of music. John and I believe you should definitely put all your blogs into a book. I think it would become a classic in itself.
You are probably right. I suppose it is all about people, places, and things. Perhaps if I write enough blogs to fill a book, I will consider publishing one. Happy belated Mother's Day, by the way.
Todd, I can imagine how rough that night in Buffalo was. I played the same room in the late 90s or early 2000s on a late winter, dreary, blustery evening, with the Either/Orchestra. Even though we had a reasonable-sized audience, the room is so cavernous, it felt like no one was there. But what a great story! And, of course you were incredibly well prepared. I'm waiting for the story where you didn't know which way was up, but I'm not holding my breath. Thanks for yet another great story.
Thanks, Rick. I have several “didn't know which way was up” stories. Stay tuned…
Will do...