The end of a life is a chance both to mourn and celebrate. Two months into 2009 and the music world has had some serious losses. This isn’t an exhaustive list, just a chance for me to celebrate the lives of some musicians whose music made a difference to me. Maybe you’ll discover something new, but be warned – this list is heavy on the jazz. Nice.
Joe Cuba (who doesn’t love a piece of El Pito?)
Snooks Eaglin (note to self: find more Snooks)
John Martyn (“troubled genius”, “missing leg”, “wonderful music”)
Louie Bellson (one of the drum battle giants)
Cachaito (for the record, my favourite artist on this list)
Blossom Dearie (for the record, my Mum’s favourite artist on this list)
Max Neuhaus (It’s difficult to find video clips of sound installations)
Ron Asheton (of The Stooges – skip this if you don’t like naked Iggy Pop)
Claude Jeter (of the Swan Silvertones – glorious)
Charles Cooper (of Telefon Tel Aviv – with a great new album just released, too)
David “Fathead” Newman (Not one of my favourite players, but what a version this is)
Anybody I’ve missed? Warm up. This is joy!
Tags: Blossom Dearie, Cachaito, Charles Cooper, Claude Jeter, Joe Cuba, John Martyn, Louie Bellson, Maz Neuhaus, Ron Asheton, Snooks Eaglin, Swan Silvertones, Telefon Tel Aviv, The Stooges
*Every* time I see or hear the word “jazz”, I can’t stop putting “(not jazz)” after it. It’s all your fault Currion.
Sorry (not sorry).
Ah, the old ones are the best.