In the very late 70's (early 80's?), there was a club on one of those streets between Washington Sq. and Broadway that only lasted a short while. Rumor had it that it was owned by Bill Cosby but Philly Joe was running it. A friend and I were passing by during daytime hours, noticed it was open and went in for a drink. Joe was socializing with a small group around a table and warmly welcomed us into the bar as we were the only other customers. As we were sipping, one of the guests with Joe got up and walked to the stage. It was Art Taylor who went on to give us all a brush solo at the kit! I'll never forget that surprise treat but have never been able to remember what this short-lived club was called. I always meant to email Phil Shaap, sure that he would have the answer, but alas! Does anyone know the name of that joint or did I invent it in a dream?
Thanks for the tip on this one https://youtu.be/FtIRMOYb6bU?si=5emRKnfQnc-29TpB just listened for the first time. A demonstration of one the trends from this period where the bass and drums weren’t necessarily going to focus on hooking up on the quarter note. Even when the music is in time, there’s a sense of simultaneous tempos, rather than hooking up on one tempo. Creates an interesting texture.
You found it! Just listened to the LP for the first time yesterday morning. I'll have a piece about this as soon as possible. Thanks for reading, writing, sharing the link, and commenting Rob!
Amazing piece. I had to wonder just a bit, tho', what went through Philly's mind on that "Yasmina" session. Here he was, a man who'd sat back of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, driving the genteel bus of their music in a fine suit in Los Angeles and New York City; now sitting next to a man playing logs. That had to be just a little bit funny to him. Hell of a journey Mr. Jones had. A blessing that he's remembered so well.
I used to have a late-70s vinyl LP by free-jazz tenor player Frank Wright, recorded in Paris with George Arvanitas, a veteran straight-ahead pianist whose trio backed touring US soloists for years; Reggie Workman; Philly Joe; I think a couple of other musicians; and get this, Eddie Jefferson! I’d love to hear that again but it must be long out of print. I remember the title of the record: "Kevin My Dear Son.”
I saw Shepp and Philly Joe in Paris in the early 80s in a group also featuring trumpeter Longineu Parsons and, if memory serves, Wilber Morris on bass. I’m pretty sure there was a pianist but I don’t recall who. I blow hot and cold on Shepp but those concerts -- I went on two nights -- were really something. Philly Joe was mesmerizing.
thanks vinnie! i had no idea of this, so i will be checking it out.. interesting how philly joe mentioned buddy rich as an influence.. i was watching a video of some young drummer a friend sent me and he also mentions buddy rich as an influence.. obviously rich had a big influence that has some of been lost over the years... anyway - thanks for this.. i will check out these recordings..
Thanks for the comment James. Buddy Rich looms. Joe Lovano told me the other night that Elvin Jones and Buddy had a tight connection, rooted in Buddy booking Elvin at his (Buddy's) club (believe it was called Buddy's Place), ca. 1968-69. According to Mr. Lovano, Elvin spoke at length to the audience, sort of eulogizing Buddy, when Elvin heard that he'd died.
i have always heard these rotten stories about buddys personality! i knew a few musicians - keyboard and bassist, who played with buddy in the 70's... maybe he was a hard guy to work with, but you can't take anything away from his masterful abilities on the drums! maybe some of his hard edged personality tainted him some in retrospect... i don't know, but it's interesting seeing his name mentioned in very positive terms in the past week or so.. obviously he was way ahead of his time as a drummer, no matter if he is or isn't your cup of tea.... my hat is off to anyone who has dedicated themselves to such a high level of ability in music..
In the very late 70's (early 80's?), there was a club on one of those streets between Washington Sq. and Broadway that only lasted a short while. Rumor had it that it was owned by Bill Cosby but Philly Joe was running it. A friend and I were passing by during daytime hours, noticed it was open and went in for a drink. Joe was socializing with a small group around a table and warmly welcomed us into the bar as we were the only other customers. As we were sipping, one of the guests with Joe got up and walked to the stage. It was Art Taylor who went on to give us all a brush solo at the kit! I'll never forget that surprise treat but have never been able to remember what this short-lived club was called. I always meant to email Phil Shaap, sure that he would have the answer, but alas! Does anyone know the name of that joint or did I invent it in a dream?
Great story-- readers, can anyone give us the name of this venue?
Thanks for the tip on this one https://youtu.be/FtIRMOYb6bU?si=5emRKnfQnc-29TpB just listened for the first time. A demonstration of one the trends from this period where the bass and drums weren’t necessarily going to focus on hooking up on the quarter note. Even when the music is in time, there’s a sense of simultaneous tempos, rather than hooking up on one tempo. Creates an interesting texture.
You found it! Just listened to the LP for the first time yesterday morning. I'll have a piece about this as soon as possible. Thanks for reading, writing, sharing the link, and commenting Rob!
Amazing piece. I had to wonder just a bit, tho', what went through Philly's mind on that "Yasmina" session. Here he was, a man who'd sat back of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, driving the genteel bus of their music in a fine suit in Los Angeles and New York City; now sitting next to a man playing logs. That had to be just a little bit funny to him. Hell of a journey Mr. Jones had. A blessing that he's remembered so well.
My thoughts exactly....a hell of a journey to be sure...
I used to have a late-70s vinyl LP by free-jazz tenor player Frank Wright, recorded in Paris with George Arvanitas, a veteran straight-ahead pianist whose trio backed touring US soloists for years; Reggie Workman; Philly Joe; I think a couple of other musicians; and get this, Eddie Jefferson! I’d love to hear that again but it must be long out of print. I remember the title of the record: "Kevin My Dear Son.”
I shall consult the sources, I shall do the math...thanks Tom...
I saw Shepp and Philly Joe in Paris in the early 80s in a group also featuring trumpeter Longineu Parsons and, if memory serves, Wilber Morris on bass. I’m pretty sure there was a pianist but I don’t recall who. I blow hot and cold on Shepp but those concerts -- I went on two nights -- were really something. Philly Joe was mesmerizing.
Fascinating that Shepp and Joe were still playing together at that time....thanks Tom....
There’s some sweet Sun Ra on YouTube from the early 80s with PJJ and AS on board.
thanks vinnie! i had no idea of this, so i will be checking it out.. interesting how philly joe mentioned buddy rich as an influence.. i was watching a video of some young drummer a friend sent me and he also mentions buddy rich as an influence.. obviously rich had a big influence that has some of been lost over the years... anyway - thanks for this.. i will check out these recordings..
Thanks for the comment James. Buddy Rich looms. Joe Lovano told me the other night that Elvin Jones and Buddy had a tight connection, rooted in Buddy booking Elvin at his (Buddy's) club (believe it was called Buddy's Place), ca. 1968-69. According to Mr. Lovano, Elvin spoke at length to the audience, sort of eulogizing Buddy, when Elvin heard that he'd died.
i have always heard these rotten stories about buddys personality! i knew a few musicians - keyboard and bassist, who played with buddy in the 70's... maybe he was a hard guy to work with, but you can't take anything away from his masterful abilities on the drums! maybe some of his hard edged personality tainted him some in retrospect... i don't know, but it's interesting seeing his name mentioned in very positive terms in the past week or so.. obviously he was way ahead of his time as a drummer, no matter if he is or isn't your cup of tea.... my hat is off to anyone who has dedicated themselves to such a high level of ability in music..