RIP Abdul Wadud

[colinmce]

One of the greats. RIP, and thanks for the fascinating and groundbreaking sounds.

[danasgoodstuff]

Loved what I've heard, but it's all older, any recent things I should check out? RIP

[colinmce]

I don't believe he's recorded anything since the material with Hemphill from the early 90s.

[Homefromtheforest]

Very sad to hear. Absolutely loved his playing on those early Hemphill albums.

I wonder if this means the "Black Unity Trio" will finally be reissued? If memory serves correctly a label in Germany was planning on reissuing it(the same label that reissued Arthur Doyle's "Alabama feeling") but the project was sank due to Wadud's objection...

[B. Clugston]

Sad news.

Here's a link to some video of Wadud playing with James Newton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGLaxFRx7oI

[mjazzg]

His contributions made the difference on so many albums I enjoy

[Leeway]

His work with Hemphill is truly memorable; also that with James Newton and Anthony Davis. I've Known Rivers a very fine album amongst a number. RIP.

[JSngry]

Seems like the voice has been quiet for a while, but knowing that it has now actually been stilled is a saddening realization.

RIP, and indeed, thanks. Much love here.

[soulpope]

RIP Mr. Abdul Wadud

Edited August 21, 2014 by soulpope

[7/4]

Rest in Peace

Only 67, what happened?

[Leeway]

Good question. I'm not finding any news reports yet. Maybe Colinmce can provide a source.

[colinmce]

I heard from Fred L-Holm. He didn't have any other info either, or know anything about Wadud's whereabouts these last 20 years.

[randyhersom]

The same news being reported now circulated two years ago and was not substantiated back then. Raheem Devaughn's Facebook page has an 18 hour old post but does not mention this news. I have my doubts.

The crunchy rhythms he laid down behind Julius Hemphill in the 70s classics were a part of my road into this great music. Loved that sound.

[king ubu]

I wonder if this means the "Black Unity Trio" will finally be reissued? If memory serves correctly a label in Germany was planning on reissuing it(the same label that reissued Arthur Doyle's "Alabama feeling") but the project was sank due to Wadud's objection...

this is the label:

http://rankrecords.net

no more traces of anything jazz on their website - they did "Alabama Feeling" and "Paris, Ariès" and since, I think the more jazz-oriented one of the two guys that founded the label, has left - so no matter if Wadud has died, I think chances are low.

[Joe]

Another important voice quieted, but not silenced.

Leave us not forget his ground-breaking work with Arthur Blythe.

[clifford_thornton]

The same news being reported now circulated two years ago and was not substantiated back then. Raheem Devaughn's Facebook page has an 18 hour old post but does not mention this news. I have my doubts.

Only heard from Ras Moshe on Facebook - nothing substantiated. I agree, I felt like similar news had surfaced some time ago and who knows whether it was accurate. I remember in the late 1990s some questions were floating around whether he was alive or not. Tried a few years ago to get in touch with Raheem about his father, but never got any response via email.

[JSngry]

Here:

[PHILLYQ]

Another important voice quieted, but not silenced.

Leave us not forget his ground-breaking work with Arthur Blythe.

I saw the group with Abdul Wadud and it was excellent! Alto, tuba, guitar, cello, drums, they were swinging and out at the same time.