Jazz Kat Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 This is bringing back sad memories of when I first heard Elvin Jones died this Summer. I think the day after he died, it was up on drummerworld.com. I felt so sad. A drum teacher/friend said like two weeks before he was gonna take me to see him at The Blue Note, when I found out he died, I was heartbroken. This is the same deal. Quote
Hardbopjazz Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 (edited) Wow, just a sad story. He recently played the Blue Note in NY. He had an IV in his arm. Played with just hand most of the night. R.I.P. Edited February 9, 2005 by Hardbopjazz Quote
Jazz Kat Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 Well at least we got recordings of him to remember his greatness by. And those who were lucky enough to have seen him in his prime, that you have those memories to remember him by. Quote
.:.impossible Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 I would like to hear some stories, Chuck, if you could. I think we all knew it was coming, but I imagine its been hard to see what's next for a quite some time now. Jimmy Smith was the originator and there hasn't been a next since he arrived, from what I can hear. I'm new to the sounds of the Hammond B-3, but I've been shocked in the best possible way by his music over the past few years. Quote
Hardbopjazz Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 (edited) Well at least we got recordings of him to remember his greatness by. And those who were lucky enough to have seen him in his prime, that you have those memories to remember him by. Seen him, but not in his prime. He was a bit rude to the crowd. Even wanted to kick my ass for smiling at him. I just think it was because he had to be out there this late in life to make money. Edited February 9, 2005 by Hardbopjazz Quote
RonF Posted February 9, 2005 Author Report Posted February 9, 2005 Saw him at Concerts By The Sea in Redondo Beach 20 some years ago. Understandably, he wasn't very happy with a noisy table. He had some harsh but choice words for the boisterous morons. Then he'd just blow everybody away. Quote
Hardbopjazz Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 Listening right now to Prayer Meetin'. Quote
Soul Stream Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 Last time I saw him, I had rented out my B3 to the club he was playing. After he got done playing, he looked at me like I was trash and told me to "get that mutha'fucka fixed!" But I'd have probably said the same thing if I were him. Think about it, the instrument he played had stopped being manufactured in 1974. He was forced to play a lot of dogs and near dogs over the years (and yes, mine DID suck!, but it was still the best one you could rent in town). A master like that should have had a beautiful instrument to play every night of his life. You think Sonny Rollins plays crappy saxophones! But, because of the demise of the B3, he was forced to play some horrible instruments. THAT would make anyone crabby. Just to make this point.... Another time he came to town and a friend of mine had just bought a near mint condition B3 and 122. He wanted to have Jimmy play it, so we rented it to the club for the gig. Jimmy came out and LOVED that organ. Played the best I'd ever seen him. After the club had cleared out after the show, he came out, grabbed me (I had the pleasure of opening for him that night) and sat me down at the bench next to him....and began to play the most amazing stuff for about 20 minutes. Just out of joy for being able to play that beautiful instrument. Then he turned to me and said "it's just the blues." THAT was beautiful. I'll never forget it. Quote
Hardbopjazz Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 . After the club had cleared out after the show, he came out, grabbed me (I had the pleasure of opening for him that night) and sat me down at the bench next to him....and began to play the most amazing stuff for about 20 minutes. Just out of joy for being able to play that beautiful instrument. Then he turned to me and said "it's just the blues." THAT was beautiful. I'll never forget it. Amen. Quote
Jim Dye Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimat...18;t=013061;p=0 Quote
Brad Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 A founding father has passed. He will be remembered as long as people play jazz. Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 It looks like it's true... http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimat...18;t=013061;p=0 RIP Jimmy Smith. I owe you an incredible debt for your gift to the world. Quote
chris olivarez Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimat...18;t=013061;p=0 Thanks for the info. As far as I'm concerned he'll always be more alive than the overwhelming majority of performers with a lot more money and a lot more fame. Quote
Jim Dye Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 (edited) Hey everyone, put your favorite album or picture of Jimmy Smith in your avatar. It'll be our way of having the flag at half staff. R.I.P. Mr. Smith. Edited February 9, 2005 by Jim Dye Quote
connoisseur series500 Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 The greatest jazz organist has passed. I'm gonna play some of his stuff now. He'll always live on. Quote
Soul Stream Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 Hey everyone, put your favorite album or picture of Jimmy Smith in your avatar. It'll be our way of having the flag at half staff. R.I.P. Mr. Smith. already did it. great idea. Quote
JSngry Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 Damn. This ain't getting any easier... Quote
danasgoodstuff Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 what y'all said. I'm going to go listen to Mr. Smith... Quote
cool_blue Posted February 9, 2005 Report Posted February 9, 2005 A friend of Les Paul's confirms this sad news. Tell Miles and Trane hello Jimmy. cb Quote
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