Donald Bailey's woes

[BeBop]

During my 17 hours in Oakland, I picked up the local free weekly paper, but didn't get around to reading it until now:

An Old Blueprint Made New

With his Talking House debut, Donald Bailey migrates from the margins to the center.

By Rachel Swan

November 11, 2009

Seventy-five-year-old drummer Donald "Duck" Bailey has an anomalous presence on the artist roster at Talking House Records, which otherwise includes prominent indie bands like Loquat and the Lovemakers. Bailey is, in fact, a living legend, known both for his musical accomplishments (he backed organist Jimmy Smith and singer Carmen McRae for many years) and his eccentricities (he came to a recent interview with a necktie fastened around his waist). But for one reason or another, he spent most of his life dwelling in obscurity. Only recently did a startup record company "rediscover" the old drummer and begin documenting his work.

Full story here

[ValerieB]

thanks, BeBop. enjoyed reading the article. i'd still like to hear a review of the Yoshi's evening tribute. guess i'll have to call upon Peter Williams!

[BeBop]

Attention Bay Areans: Donald Bailey at Laurel District Fair in Oakland. Saturday.