Horace, Horace, Horace Silver

Classic Jazz Albums No. 10,
originally uploaded by Never Slim.

I do remember seeing in concert this wonderful musician. Well do I think now of "Senor Blues". Horace & Quintet performed at the Indiana Show (West Washington Street between Illinois & Capitol Avenues) in 1959.

Horace played "Senor Blues" for approximately 20 minutes alone, even though members of his quintet attempted to do their solos, it was quite evident that Horace was into his own thing. The concert hall was packed and the 2 hour program was a constant performance with much applause.

Memories of Dr. Billy Taylor

Dr. Billy Taylor 1,
originally uploaded by Ed Berger.

My memory of being in one of Dr. Taylor's concerts was at Kansas State University (All Faith's Chapel) in Spring 2007. He had spent that morning with Dr. Wayne Goins and his jazz students. He later conducted a "free" open forum that evening.

At the age of nearly 80, he was sharp in mind as well with the fingers. He exhibited how one can take a melody and do variations in a jazz idiom. Taylor demonstrated piano jazz versions of some old songs. Even though many adults were present, there were little ones there too. He took questions from the audience and did an autograph sign party following the program.

His visit was sponsored by the International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE)that is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The Assocation was begun several years ago by Matt Betton who felt that jazz inovation would be an important factor in future music.

Tribute to Dr. Oscar Peterson

While living in Manhattan, Kansas I received television news on Christmas Day that Oscar Peterson, the great jazz pianist passed on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2007 in Canada..sad for the world of great musicians. I had last seen him in Indianapolis with Ella Fitzgerald some years ago. The news was very much unexpected as I had just spoken with someone about Oscar; was hoping to see him in concert "one more time"..... now in the heavenly courts.