So Long Little Giant

Johnny Griffin played several gigs here in Central PA during the early years of the local jazz society, the Friends of Jazz. Sadly, I remember little about those performances which happened over 20 years ago. I do recall Griffin's muscular approach to the sax and his blazing speed all belied by his diminutive presence.

To refresh my memory I located a pair of videos of what must have been typical performances.

The first video is a blistering run through "Just Friends" with an unnamed quartet.

Just Friends - Johnny Griffin
Uploaded by boberwig

The second clip is from a live gig at the Village Vanguard and features Griffin with Ronnie Mathews, Ray Drummond and Kenny Washington.

Gerald Wiggins

It is particularly telling that an online video search for Gerald Wiggins turns up no videos wherein he is the leader. As we see below, there are a pair of fine videos where he accompanies saxophone greats Benny Carter and Scott Hamilton. Each video gives a nice snapshot of Gerry's astute handling of the accompanist' s role. In the Hamilton video note the obvious glee in Scott's reaction to the piano solo.



In a stroke of programming genius, the Central PA Friends of Jazz presented Gerry Wiggins and his bassist son, Hassan Shakur in a Father's Day performance a few years ago. It was an afternoon of musical comfort food, filling and satisfying.

It is a real shame that Concord has removed Wiggins' Maybeck recital from the catalog. There is an entire generation of music fans who could benefit from and enjoy making the acquaintance of Gerald Wiggins.

Benny Carter - Rosetta 1983
Uploaded by boberwig

Wynton and Willie

I have to admit right up front that I’ve been a Willie Nelson fan for years. I always enjoy Nelson’s approach to a lyric and the comfortable timbre of his voice. Nelson’s appreciation of good guitar playing also is a point in his favor in my book.

Thus, it was with great anticipation that I learned that last year’s appearance by Nelson and Wynton Marsalis at Jazz At Lincoln Center had been recorded. I also heard that a video was shot of the performance. Can a DVD be too far in the future?

The CD “Two Men With The Blues” was released this week and in my estimation is well worth the wait. This is neither a Wynton Marsalis nor a Willie Nelson gig with a special guest. Both artists contribute equally to the musical proceedings. The recording is the result of a true meeting of the minds of two strong musical personalities.

While we do not encounter such war-horses as “On The Road Again” or “Crazy” there is sufficient quantity of Nelson staples to satisfy his fans. Wynton fans will discover healthy portions of the blues on this recording including “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” and “Basin Street Blues.” Although the music is tightly arranged there still is plenty of room for standout instrumental solos by all participants.

The recording quality is exceptional. We get a good sense of the atmosphere in the room at the live gig without our attention being diverted from the music. The stereo mix spreads the performers across the stage in what must be an approximation of their positions on stage. The clarity and detail of the recording brings the performance to life.

All in all I found “Two Men With The Blues” to be an enjoyable experience. However, when Wynton and Willie gather for a follow up in February someone please take the vocal microphone away from Wynton!

Happy Birthday Pops

Even though recent research indicates that Louis Armstrong was not born on July 4, 1900, the legend is so strong that many in jazz still celebrate his birthday on Independence Day. What could be more American that celebrating the birth of the central figure in the development of this uniquely American music on the Fourth of July?

Here’s a link to the museum that is being established at the Armstrong House in New York.

Here’s a look at two Armstrong videos.

Louis Armstrong 1933
Uploaded by sirarnold

One of my favorite Armstrong recordings is his collaboration with Duke Ellington. Talk about a meeting of giants!


Finally, on a completely different note, here’s something to add a taste of history to your celebration. Enjoy!