Alexander Hawkins Posted June 2, 2004 Report Posted June 2, 2004 I wonder if anyone could tell me anything about Willie Pickens? I heard him in Chicago in Friday - he was depping for Hank Jones at the Symphony Center gig. Anyway, I really enjoyed his playing, and would love to hear more of it! Thanks in advance for any information! Red p.s. Denis Mackrel, the drummer that night, was also someone unknown to me, but fantastic. Quote
Harold_Z Posted June 2, 2004 Report Posted June 2, 2004 (edited) I don't know a whole lot about him, but you can hear him on some of the Eddie Harris Vee Jay recordings. He sounds great on those. Edited June 2, 2004 by Harold_Z Quote
sal Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 Check out Malachi Thompson's "Talking Horns" album on Delmark. Its a very good release on Delmark with some great playing by everyone, including Willie, Oliver Lake and Hamiet Bluiett. Quote
Newk Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 He was with Elvin for quite a while and plays on a couple of his 90's albums. Great player! Quote
jlhoots Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 Willie Pickens Trio: Dark Eyes Recorded Dec. 10 & 11, 2001 George Mraz, bass, Joe Farnsworth, drums M & I (Japan) MYCJ- 30153 Worth the search & the price. Quote
Larry Kart Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 An excellent Pickens trio album from 1987, "It's About Time" (Southport) may still be available. Two bass and drum teams -- Dan Shapera and Robert Shy, and Larry Gray and Wilbur Campbell. Pickens is a stone bebopper at heart, with personal Tynerish extensions. The relation between the internal rhythms of his phrases and the underlying beat used to strike me as bit skittery/slippery at times, like a guy who was running on ice, but either that was stupid on my part or Pickens got all that locked in place many years ago. Also impressive is his daughter Bethany Pickens. Quote
tooter Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 Try this one if you like Buddy de Franco - excellent album - both Buddy and Willie in fine form. Quote
sheldonm Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 Willie's a great piano player, I've seen him many times. He has several cd's as a leader but I don't have them in front of me to give you the names. He is usually the pianist of choice at the Jazz Showcase along with Larry Gray and Robert Shy; even has a Christmas CD!!! Always a great touch! Quote
catesta Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 p.s. Denis Mackrel, the drummer that night, was also someone unknown to me, but fantastic. I saw Mackrel when he was playing with the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni band in Las Vegas a few years back. He is great, and a nice guy as well. Quote
Alexander Hawkins Posted June 3, 2004 Author Report Posted June 3, 2004 Thanks for all these suggestions! Quote
Pete C Posted June 3, 2004 Report Posted June 3, 2004 He pretty much sticks around Chicago, which is why he isn't better known. I think the only major touring he did was with Elvin. A couple of other excellent Chigago straight-ahead pianists who stayed home are Jodie Christian & John Young (I saw Young with Von Freeman a couple of years ago when they were both 80). Quote
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