R.I.P. Gordon Brisker

[Bill Fenohr]

I was informed of the passing this morning of reedman Gordon Brisker by Danny D'Imperio. Man we are losing too many good cats.

[Joe]

Sad to hear it.

Interesting player and composer of harmoncally dense stuff, though I never could quite warm to the one release of his I have heard -- THE GIFT on Naxos Jazz. I would certainly welcome other recommendations.

[Larry Kart]

I've always like Brisker's 1987 big band album "New Beginning," with L.A. studio cats plus Victor Lewis. Brisker is/was a unusually linear writer (virtually every part makes individual sense), and his own playing at the time was less caught up in modal grooves that it would be later on. One track in particular has burned itself into my brain, an at once humorous and very hard swinging version of "Be My Love," with blistering solo by Kim Richmond. Also, there's a fine chart on Shorter's "Prince of Darkness."

[James]

Today there was a tribute to Gordon at The Jazz Bakery in L.A. between 1-5 p.m., moderated by former KLON jazz dj Dick McGarvin. LOTS of music in different band configurations. It was a *really* nice affair ----- with memories of Gordon shared by many folks. Many poignant moments - drove back home with a nice glow and a couple of Brisker recordings in my trunk.

[James]

Sad to hear it.

Interesting player and composer of harmoncally dense stuff, though I never could quite warm to the one release of his I have heard -- THE GIFT on Naxos Jazz. I would certainly welcome other recommendations.

Joe --- you might dig his other NAXOS release "My Son John" with Tim Hagans, Mike Nock, Anthony Cox and Billy Hart. I just got through listening, and since I liked what I heard (while typing e-mails, casual listening) I'm assuming it's just going to get better with repeated listening.

[James]

I've always like Brisker's 1987 big band album "New Beginning," with L.A. studio cats plus Victor Lewis.

Agreed. In fact I put in an order with Gordon's wife for a CDR copy.

[kenny weir]

For the past couple of weeks I've been enjoying a Gordon Brisker album called Child's Play.

It's a live, straightahead session (Vierd Blues, Oleo, Invitation etc) from 2001 with a guitar-bass-drums trio.

It's released in Australia on Jazzgroove Records - http://www.jazzgroove.com/ - if it has US release, I'm unaware of the label.

It's a good un. Gordon blows soulfully and sweetly on a bunch of hoary old vehicles, the guitar trio giving the album the same sort of feel as Rollins's The Bridge.

It's not an ambitious disc, but I suspecvt I'll end up playing it more often than either of his two Naxos albums.

[Joe]

Thanks for the recs, all.