Jazz Memories

David Hardiman, Sr.

2009-09-18T11:57:00.005-05:00

"Little" David was in my bible classes at Martindale Avenue Church of Christ (as the church was known in those days). At that time he lived just south of IPS 56 on Martindale Avenue with his mother & grandmother, respectively Sadie & Juanita Hardiman. He was also involved with the Vacation Bible Schools during those times. His family was always a real support and encouraged him to stay involved in music, regardless where it was held.

Years now have passed since he once blew his trumpet at the church, in schools and the All City Youth Indianapolis Orchestra. I placed a phone call to him recently as he is a faculty person in California. Dr. Willis Kirk gave me his phone number; we chatted for quite a while and plan to talk again. He is doing well and loves the California coast, quite a change from Indianapolis. His travels take him to the jazz concerts as a performer and at the National Convention of Jazz Artists. Occasionally he gets back to the Indiana Avenue (Madam Walker Center) with other musicians. Of course the business of music has expanded and David has managed to move along with other instrumentation.

Willis Kirk, the Beat Man

2009-06-10T15:09:00.004-05:00

I remember Willis back in 1953 when I entered Jordan College of Music (Butler University) at its beginning. Our music buildings were then located at 1204 & 1116 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis. These had been the estates of L.S. Ayres & William H. Block who were clothing store owners during the early days. My piano instructor, Lillian Brown (now Carson) took me to this college in preparation for music education. Of course I didn't even know what I wanted to do in music -- just learn and get the experience.

Willis was one of my first mentors. He was then sophomore/junior percussionist, studying on the G.I. bill (as were many in those days). My mother & father operated a small grocery store located on the corners of 25th Street and Sangster that serviced many Blacks in that area. It was from this experience they knew the Kirk family and the day Willis was born. At the university, I believe that Dr. Charles Henzie was his primary percussion teacher

The Kirk Family grew up on the East side of Indianapolis at 25th & Caroline Avenues There were many Kirks. Willis or "little Willis" as he was called at that time, studied at IPS 37; probably at IPS 26 and possibly graduated from Crispus Attucks High School.

You can imagine how I felt to see that Willis had been awarded a honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Butler University. He completed his bachelor's in 1956; masters in 1964 and moved to California working in the Oakland City area. He was president of City College from 1989 to 1991.

I know that music instructors, Dean Ehlert, Mrs. Stratton, Dr. William Pelz, Dr. Harold Johnson of the olden days would be super proud to know that one of their students had earned this distinction.

My quips only!

The Four Tops

2009-03-27T11:34:00.007-05:00

Just guess who I met at one time in my life.."Obie" (aka: Renaldo Benson). The Four Tops Quartet use to seranade many times at 1000 Yuma Street, Manhattan, Kansas in summer of 1960.

I became acquainted with "Obie" and his wife Val while my husband was serving at the Big Red One/Fort Riley. The Four Tops all signed together with the U.S. military and went on many weekend trips while stationed at Ft. Riley.

Levi Stubbs and Abdul "Duke" Fakir sang together in a group while at Pershing High School, later joined with Renaldo Benson and Lawrence Payton (who attended Northern High School, all in Detroit, MI). They began singing at a friends birthday party in 1954 and began calling themselves the Four Aims.

In 1964, they signed with Berry Gordy's Motown records and the rest is history. I did not know that "Obie" was a co-writer of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" that is still widely sung today....even the quoted saying of "what's goin' on". Blog for more info on these guys...they were super.

Nancy --Ahh Nancy Wilson

2009-03-06T11:30:00.004-06:00

What about that Nancy Wilson who was born in Chillicothe, Ohio; grew up in Columbus where her Father provided early exposure to vocalists as Billy Eckstine, Louis Jordan, Ruth Brown, LaVerne Baker, Nat King Cole, Jimmy Rushing, & Little Jimmy Scott. Rushing sang with Count Basie's Orchestra and Scott with Lionel Hampton. Nancy began her career at age 15 singing in church & school choirs..

In 1959, Nancy moved to New York city desiring a contract with Capitol records as her label; within four weeks she got her big break as a fill in for Irene Reid at The Blue Morocco. She was booked singing four nights and worked as a receptionist during the day. John Levy caught her show and from there she went only upwards.

Nancy appeared in many variety shows as The Andy Williams Show, The Carol Burnett Show, The Flip Wilson Show, I Spy, Hawaii Five-O, Police Story, The Cosby Show, Soul Food, The Parker's and many more in acting roles.

R.S.V.P.(Rare Songs, Very Personal) was released on August 25, 2004 and in 2005 she received the GRAMMY Award for Best Jazz vocal Album; releasing in 1964 "How Glad I Am"

Today, she works hard to raise AIDS awareness in African-American communities in the USA, appearing occasionally on shows. Google Nancy Wilson for more!

Freddie Hubbard - High Energy

2009-01-09T11:55:00.003-06:00

Freddie Hubbard - High Energy,
originally uploaded by dereck von.

Dear Ones, lest I forget my memories of being in the performance presence of this beautiful artist. Little would I have ever thought that Freddie would be blowing his wonderful machine in the Heavens before me.

The Hubbard family of Indianapolis, Indiana was very talented and lived in my area; I believe that one of the Hubbards attended I.P.S. 37 with me (just can't remember his name at the present).

While in Indianapolis, I was priviledged to visit the Hub-Bub (30th near Illinois Streets), 34th & Illinois Street and 40th Street Club (near 40th & Boulevard Place). Many a time we (Jerry & me) stopped in on Friday evenings to hear the combo play until the wee hours, about 2:00am. You just never know who you will meet and where life will take both of you.

I lost contact with Freddie after the 1960's, but probably sure that he returned to Indy many times for different occasions. He may have appeared at the Jazz Kitchen (54th & College Avenue), it seems to get all the musician "greats" with large crowds and great food.

My salute to a fine musician who will be missed!

Odetta

2009-01-09T11:44:00.002-06:00

Odetta_1453,
originally uploaded by Eggward Shell.

One of the vocal jazz greats crossed over in 2008. There were a number of these persons who left us in 2008 (mostly in mid-December), Eartha Kitt, Miriam Makeba and trumpeter, Freddie Hubbard.

I would listen to her mostly on 33 1/3's as she was one among those singers in the civil rights days. Odetta may have visited Indianapolis at least one time during the 1960's; however, I was unable to see her in concert. Her photo is from the Ottawa Folk Festival on August 17, 2008.

She is one of the featured singers on a CD entitled "This Land is Your Land" along with the Weavers, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Kingston Trio, Judy Collins & Buffy Sainte-Marie. The CD can be found in the Children's Division of the Manhattan Public Library, Manhattan Kansas.

Miriam Makeba

2008-11-14T11:51:00.004-06:00

R.I.P. Miriam Makeba,
originally uploaded by Haags Uitburo.

My story began with a phone call from Mrs. Rita T, who had won tickets on Radio Station WIBC in Indianapolis, early 70's. Rita did not want to attend a concert, never knowing that she was missing the marvelous Miriam Makeba.

I took the tickets, attended the concert and met several gentlemen who invited me to join them for a wine & cheese chat. Of course there was more to eat than wine & cheese. The concert was held on the IMA Terrace that overlooked the White River Parkway that winds behind the art museum.

To my sad hearing was the news that Miriam passed on Monday, November 10 (age 76) following a concert. After coming to New York and joining the Manhattan Brothers jazz group with many performances; she married the well known Black Panther, Stokley Carmichael. To this marriage was born one daughter, Bonji who passed in 1985 as a result of childbirth.

Miriam is best known for the click song. I'm glad to have been in her presence and heard this lovely voiced woman. She gave it her all!

Art Tatum

2008-10-17T11:34:00.002-05:00

Art Tatum,
originally uploaded by cuyahogabend.

I got curious and looked up Art Tatum on the advice of a friend who was a great lover of this jazz pianist. Art (a Buckeye) was born in Toledo, OH October 13, 1909. Even though nearly blind, his main influences were Fats Waller & Earl Hines.

He began playing professionally as a teenager in 1926; had his own radio show during 1929-1930 and only moved to New York when hired by singer Adelaide Hall as one of her two pianists. He also played in many bars, dives & halls in NYC, Cleveland, Chicago & Los Angeles, visiting England in 1938. He began his initial recording as a soloist in 1933.

Due to his irregular playing with changes of keys and tempos, Art generally played alone. He did however, organize a trio of Tiny Grimes (electric guitarist) and Slam Stewart (bassist) who later joined Benny Goodman after the trio broke up.

Art was admired in awe by most all in the jazz world including Nat King Cole. He was an inspiration for the late Oscar Peterson and the bebop generation that followed.
Art Tatum passed on November 5, 1956 at age 47 from uremia.
Listen to him on Gershwin's Greats and Volume 2, Jazz Pianists.

Kevin Mahogany

2008-08-08T11:47:00.002-05:00

kevin mahogany_5282,
originally uploaded by vladrus.

I remember meeting and being in the midst of a Jazz concert held in Manhattan, Kansas City Park in summer of 2005. Kevin was one of the guest artists having been invited to by Greg Carroll.

Later researching on Kevin, I discovered that he was a native of Kansas City, Missouri. His earlier training in elementary and high school was on the saxophone; later he graduated from Baker University with BFA. It was following his university graduation that he turned to the vocal side. He was swayed much by the vocal style of Al Jarreau.

Kevin began with a road group of vocal, bass viol and piano. From these road concerts Kevin developed his own recording label and produced a number of recordings. When not in Europe, he travels with road concerts still to this day. He gave a wonderful performance in Manhattan, Kansas that is a little slow on receiving the jazz world. Kevin is in concert many times presently at the Kansas City, Missouri Art Museum, located at 18th & Vine Streets.

Ernie, Ernie Hogan

2008-07-18T11:26:00.005-05:00

Ernest Hogan (born Ernest Reuben Crowdus, Jr., on April 17, 1865) was prior to the well-known Ragtime Scott Joplin. Bowling Green, Kentucky is still known today as the "Shake Rag" city. A grave marker will be installed on the centennial anniversary of his death on May 20, 1909.

Bowling Green's May Elaine Walker called Hogan's legacy one of the unsung hero.

The marker is a way to preserve much of lost Black history of Bowling Green (Warren County) especially in shake Rag.

Hogan's career stems across the theater performances including minstrel songs. He joined a minstrel traveling show at the age of 12 and hones his musical & comedic talents. His first big hit was the first of a new genre of music which coined ragtime, in 1895. Joplin picked up the ragtime style in his 1898 composition "Maple Leaf Rag."

I'm excited to know that in 1906, Hogan appeared at the Park Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana that is now the location of St. Rita's & St. Frances Roman Catholic Church/School.

Dakota Staton

2008-06-18T15:33:00.002-05:00

dakota staton,
originally uploaded by jerkingchicken.

I met this lovely lady who sang for the first Convention of the Indiana Black Expo. Her appearance was in the American Legion Mall. People on their blankets sat on the grassy hillside to hear this concert.
When the concert concluded, my friend ML & I decided to stop in IHOP at 16th & Meridian Streets for an early breakfast (even though the hour was both late & early).
Who should appear but Miss Dakota Staton. She came over to our table that had seating for 4 and asked if she could join us. Of course we said "yes" and then the talk was on.
Her husband later joined us and continued the conversation. He was on his way to New York City and conferred with Dakota concerning how he would leave a package in her mailbox. A simple matter, but one that needed clarification. ML & I discussed her latest album and how the Black Expo managed to seek her out.
You never think of meeting the "real" person when you merely listen to an album..but her she was and wow, what a sweet person.

My Newest Toy

2008-05-16T11:39:00.003-05:00

On May 13, 2008 I completed my purchase of a 21 string autoharp. I stopped at Rick's Music (Manhattan, KS) and picked up the case. It will be used to present music expressions to the children of the Cultural Academy of Manhattan.

Each Monday, I make this beautiful trip as the Music Lady. Children ages 2, 3 and 4 are always waiting for the excitement of having music time. There is always something new - this week will be the Show & Tell time for me...wow, what a time is to be expected - even at my age..go, go, girl!

Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life

2008-04-25T11:41:00.002-05:00

Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life,
originally uploaded by dereck von.

It was in Summer of 1968 when I heard an ambulance wailing past my home at 3911 Clarendon Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana. Later to my dismay I discovered that it went to the residence of the infamous West Montgomery. His album "A Day in the Life" had many evenings put my children to sleep. They enjoyed it greatly and would ask that I have it repeated on the stereo player.
After Wes' passing, the album became even more popular among the jazz greats of Indianapolis and you would hear people whisper his name. At the night clubs, patrons would ask for selections from this album. Even when I visited Mr. B's in Chicago, the Ramsey Lewis Trio played one of the selections...do I remember Wes, yes!

Walker Theatre Building

2008-04-16T14:44:00.002-05:00

In this building housed the Madame C. J. Walker Beauty Shop, School of Cosmetology, that was upstairs and serviced ladies with hosiery, facial supplies, the Coffee Pot (that supplied food service) to the community of Indianapolis and a movie show. The Black community shadowed around this area, including the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. You could go to the beauty shop and when you left, just put on your evening gown and attend the jazz sessions. Down on Indiana Avenue, the Sunset Club was the main spot for most entertainers.

Eartha Kitt

2008-04-04T11:32:00.006-05:00

Eartha Kitt Autograph,
originally uploaded by boozemovies.

Eartha! Eartha! Earth!..the only one who all should see and hear. If I could have one wish it would be to meet this lovely lady in person. I have always enjoyed her lovely handling of the French language with its satire, demeanor and presentation.

Although born in the USA (Southland), she is one that has taken off in her own way and expressed herself in singing. Millions have enjoyed her lovely and "cat-like" ways in arousing her audiences. Even today on the radio stations across America, you will know this unusual voice and can identify Eartha! Eartha! Eartha!

Greg Carroll

2008-02-15T11:35:00.005-06:00

I've heard and worked with Greg Carroll at the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) in Manhattan while he was the Director of Jazz Education. He hailed from Denver, Colorado and a number of cities after graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder. His expertise is with the xylophone and percussion instruments.

While in Manhattan, KS he organized a group names Midnight Blue Quintett. He also worked with developing the music department at Bethel AME Church. Greg was responsible for having a number of musicians come to the worship service and had them deliver selections of a traditional style.

In 2007, he assumed the position as Director of the African American Jazz Institute, now located in Kansas City, Missouri. The institute is located in the 18th & Vine district, well known.

Quincy Jones, Robert Flack & Donny Hathaway

2008-02-12T10:24:00.002-06:00

Once in 1969, GC & I motored to Chicago to visit with his sister. While there we traveled to Skokie, Illinois to attend a 2:00am musical show at the Old Mill Run Theatre. Quincy had as his musical guests Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.

At this performance, Quincy also introduced his daughter Rashida who was on her maiden voyage with the group. She was about 19 years old. Roberta & Donny were very popular at this time; together they performed several duets. Roberta was well known for her rendition of Carol King's "Natural Woman".
My children at that time would go to sleep with Roberta's 33 1/3 playing her selections.

The Skokie, Illinois show was great; very well attended and into the beat of the performing group.

Horace, Horace, Horace Silver

2008-01-29T11:27:00.002-06:00

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

2008-01-18T11:29:00.002-06:00

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

2008-01-04T11:46:00.001-06:00

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.

How Music Began for Me

2007-12-21T11:32:00.001-06:00

There was always music around me at the church and in the neighborhood. At age 8 (my teacher was only 13), my Father refused to purchase a piano for me until I was able to play for him; therefore, using three cracker box inserts I pasted them together and drew my keyboard to practice. I really never heard my practicing until I attended my piano lessons for six months. Then Dad bought me an old remodeled "roll" piano to practice.

Afterwards I challenged him to purchase me a new piano that I had seen in Brown Piano Studio window. This purchase was made for me to give my first piano recital at the age of 10.

I had to play my complete program for Lillian LeMon, who was a noted teacher in the region. If I received her approval, then I could perform for what was then mostly all the church members and other teachers at her studio in Indianapolis - that was during the late 40's.

Ella Fitzgerald Concert

2007-11-30T11:47:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite times was being in the presence of Mrs. Ella Fitzgerald (the grand lady of song) while she was in concert at the Murat Temple with (the piano man), Oscar Peterson. A combo accompanied her singing; then before the concert closed, she & Oscar presented several numbers together.

He was great too as a featured piano soloist. This was back in the 50's in Indianapolis, Indiana on New Jersey Street. My admission was paid by a noble teacher of music in the Indianapolis School system, namely Mr. James Compton. I was even blessed to get her autograph backstage after the program - the same for Oscar Peterson.

Hang On Ramsey

2007-11-13T12:24:00.003-06:00

hang on,
originally uploaded by gaz3.

When I visited Mr. B's Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois back in the 70's, I heard and met members of the original Ramsey Lewis Trio. At that time they were most famous for the "Tennessee Waltz" and the "In Crowd"; during this performance as a supper club spotlight, they had the people up on their feet even though the dining continued.

During my stay in Chi town for a few days, I also met Dick Gregory's family who resided in the same building as my sister in law, Carolyn Brown, a well known artist...interesting life!

Budapest String Quartet

2007-10-26T11:49:00.001-05:00

Prior to entry at Jordan College of Music in 1953, I had attended a concert by the Budapest String Quartet while attending John Hope School/PS 26. At that time I was learning the cello and a friend named George went with me. We took public transporation to arrive at the Indiana World War Memorial that was downtown in Indianapolis.

It was amazing to see these 4 men come onto stage in their formal attire, bow, sit together and begin their concert. The lead person was the 1st violinist. They made all their stops & starts together. At the close of the concert, there were 4 stage calls with people shouting "bravos"..of course we join in.

We reported to the orchestra at the next meeting with programs in hand. Great experience!

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five

2007-10-23T12:19:00.002-05:00

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five,
originally uploaded by dereck von.

When I saw this 45 rpm, it reminded me of the days of this type of record listening. It was this or 33 1/3's recordings for us during that time period. Even at personal parties, this was it!

My experience in piano music during 1953 was at Jordan College of Music (Butler University); even my chance to see and hear the Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Murat Temple (downtown Indianapolis on New Jersey Street).
Good memories!

Intro

2007-10-19T11:58:00.001-05:00

I just found out that I could express myself this way..through blogging. I love jazz, have always loved the beat, rhythm and smoothness. It goes a long way back in my youth while studying music, so here we go......