GLBT jazz musicians

[clifford_thornton]

So one of my thoughts - related to one of my sub-interests in the field of jazz music - is to do an episode of The Cutting Edge (the weekly jazz show I share on the Austin airwaves) related to GLBT improvisers. Since June is Pride Month, I thought this would be an interesting exploration. However, it's a subject that's - naturally - rather taboo in the "manly" jazz community. I'd be interested in your thoughts on how to approach this subject, and perhaps corroborate some of the musicians that would be good to spotlight. Obviously, in a "post-everything" world, it would be unnecessary to make note of someone's race, gender, or sexual orientation. However, from the perspective of the importance of gay rights in the contemporary discourse in America, it seems fitting to me.

Interestingly, it seems more lesbian improvisers are "out" (Irene Schweizer, Joelle Leandre for example) then gay men.

Thanks for your ideas.

[jeffcrom]

As you may know, Fred Hersch has lived with HIV for 25 years, and is active in AIDS charities. Back in 1994, he produced a beautiful album of ballads, Last Night When We Were Young, with the proceeds going to an AIDS organization. Gary Burton and Andy Bey are among the musicians who contribute.

[Ted O'Reilly]

Jessica Williams is GBLT-active, for a couple of reasons I believe. Jennifer Leitham is the "T" of GLBT. Wonderful musicians, both.

[JSngry]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on how to approach this subject,

Just put it out there (no pun - at any level - intended). I think this is one of those things that "changing minds" about is going to be much less effective than will be just accepting a "new reality" and moving on from there. Step over instead of trying to walk through.

[Christiern]

Of course, you should not "out" anyone, as only they themselves can do that acceptably. That said, the number of jazz performers who would qualify for your show is larger than most people imagine, because there has always been a macho label attached to the music. I have great respect for the relatively few who have broken away by either declaring their sexual preference or simply not going out of their way to conceal it. How to handle performers who are no longer among the living? I really don't know the answer to that one, but that list includes true icons.

[clifford_thornton]

Right, I hadn't planned on outing anyone.

Yeah, indeed that list of icons. My plan was just to play a diverse range of music from those players & masters that I know of who are part of the GLBT community, and let the chips fall where they may. Obviously, no minds will be changed or anything - but it seems like something "worth exploring."

Hersch is a great player, indeed.

[PHILLYQ]

Gary Burton, also a fantastic player.

Edited June 12, 2011 by PHILLYQ

[Christiern]

Gary Burton opened the door for several musicians to come out. I don't think George Pullen's preference was a secret,at least not towards the end, after Maurice, his lover, died. Of course, what's at the root of all this is the idiotic notion that there is only one acceptable sexual preference and that everything else is somehow shameful. Let's call it sinful, because religion—in the hands of fanatics—is the true curse.

[marcello]

You may want to consider Dena DeRose and Bill Stewart for the program. No secrets there.

[Bright Moments]

and of course there is miles. . .

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

chris has a great record if you guys can find it called AC/DC blues which compiles songs which deal with these topics

[clifford_thornton]

Yeah, I was going to include Don Pullen.

There's another pianist who I'm thinking of but I'm not sure if he's "out."

Of course, the great bassist-composer Graham Collier will be included, too.

Edited June 13, 2011 by clifford_thornton

[colinmce]

Cecil Taylor, of course.

[brownie]

Ralph Burns

[BillF]

Fats Navarro

Billy Strayhorn

[tranemonk]

If you're including vocalists... Ann Hampton Callaway... Sheryl Bailey (guitarist)....

[Christiern]

It's a shame that you will have to leave out so many great musicians who—were it not for long accepted intolerance—could be included in your program.

[Guy Berger]

and of course there is miles. . .

Is there any substantive evidence on this? I've read plenty of innuendo and speculation on this subject but no actual evidence.

Guy

[Hot Ptah]

Sun Ra

[Bright Moments]

and of course there is miles. . .

Is there any substantive evidence on this? I've read plenty of innuendo and speculation on this subject but no actual evidence.

Guy

i seem to recall a thread on this before

[clifford_thornton]

Is Cecil openly gay? I was not sure if he was open about it, though it seems to be common knowledge.

Ra's sexuality is a mystery - he said he was asexual, which is not in any way part of the GLBT spectrum.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. I agree with Chris.

[colinmce]

Is Cecil openly gay? I was not sure if he was open about it, though it seems to be common knowledge.

When it comes to Cecil, what is "open" anyways?. But I don't think it's any secret or speculative in any way.

I did not know about Fats Navarro. That's interesting.

There is also Chris Connor.

[BillF]

I did not know about Fats Navarro. That's interesting.

Cruelly, he was nicknamed Fat Girl, but perhaps he didn't mind too much as he gave a composition this name.

[clifford_thornton]

I didn't know that either.

The show definitely hews toward the modern or avant-garde, but certainly in the interests of providing a balanced program, I think including Navarro, Strayhorn's compositions, et al., would be appropriate.

[Larry Kart]

Not that it settles anything about his sexual orientation, but it's my understanding that Navarro's rather high-pitched voice and his girth led to the "Fat Girl" nickname.