Jim Alfredson Posted November 21, 2009 Report Posted November 21, 2009 According to the great Gene Ludwig, Billy James passed away yesterday. I don't have any other details at the moment. Billy James was the consummate "organ drummer" and Don Patterson's right hand man. Dang. Quote
The Magnificent Goldberg Posted November 21, 2009 Report Posted November 21, 2009 Oh, one of the best. I'm so sorry to hear this. Another great gone. Just played Don's "Satisfaction" this afternoon. Think I'll listen to Sonny Stitt's "Just the way it was, live at the Left Bank" this evening. Billy seems paranormally sensitive to what Sonny and Don were doing on that. RIP. MG Quote
mikeweil Posted November 21, 2009 Report Posted November 21, 2009 Very sad news - Patterson and Billy James were a perfect team, reportedly playing as a duo quite often. Billy was a busy drummer, but never obtrusive, swinging hard and alway for the benefit of the others. Perhaps my favourite organ combo drummer ... I liked what he played with Eddie Harris, too. Quote
Chuck Nessa Posted November 21, 2009 Report Posted November 21, 2009 When I was in school he seemed to be on every 10th lp I bought. Quote
jazzbo Posted November 22, 2009 Report Posted November 22, 2009 RIP Billy. We're lucky we have the albums, we can hear you. Quote
JSngry Posted November 22, 2009 Report Posted November 22, 2009 Sonny Stitt's "Just the way it was, live at the Left Bank" this evening. Billy seems paranormally sensitive to what Sonny and Don were doing on that. RIP. My thoughts exactly. Those guys lived the life. Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted November 23, 2009 Author Report Posted November 23, 2009 Gene Ludwig just posted this on FB: It comes with great sadness to inform you of the death of drumming sensation, Mr. Billy James. Mr. William A. James died late Friday night in Philadelphia Pa. Billy James originally from Pittsburgh Pa., was a musical companion to Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Sonny Stitt, Don Patterson, Grant Green, Pat Martino, Eddie Harris, Houston Person & Etta Jones, Bootsey Barnes, Bill Easley, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Gloria Coleman, Dave Braham, Radam Schwartz, Gene Ludwig & Bob Devos of the Groove Organization which he was a part. He has played with many other musicians over the years. He first received his start with Mr. Lionel Hampton when just a very young teenager where he played with him on Congas for a whole summer. As a teenager he sat in with The Clifford Brown, Max Roach Quintet where he made his decision to play drums from that day forward. He was well known for his long association with Sonny Stitt & Don Patterson, which was one the very finest Hard-Bop Hammond B-3 unit of it's time. He is known for his impeccable time keeping and inventative playing style even at very rapid tempo's. The family of Mr. Billy James, would like to thank the International Music Family for playing his music over the years. The arrangements have not been set at this time. More Information will be forwarded to The Associated Press as soon as available. With Love & Musically Yours, Todd B Ellis Jazz Program Director Sound Of The Cool Productions (732) 485-9971 Quote
Chalupa Posted November 23, 2009 Report Posted November 23, 2009 http://www.philly.com/dailynews/national/2...dies_at_73.html Quote
_forumlogo.png.a607ef20a6e0c299ab2aa6443aa1f32e.png)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.