Tim Green, New Orleans Saxophonist, RIP

[jeffcrom]

I kind of hate it that I'm so frequently the bearer of bad news when it comes to the passing of New Orleans musicians, but I try to keep up with the scene there. So...

According to a variety of sources, saxophonist Tim Green has died. I don't know any details about when or how. Unless you're close to the New Orleans scene, you're not likely to have heard of him. A modernist in a city filled with traditional jazz, he was a "musicians' musician," held in high esteem by his peers. His playing ranged from straight-ahead post-bop to free improvisation. He didn't travel much, but played creative music when he could and played R & B or Bourbon Street gigs to make a living when jazz gigs were scarce.

He played frequently played with bassist James Singleton, as well as with Michael Ray and the Naked Orchestra. I think my favorite that's in my library is cellist Helen Gillet's Runing of the Bells, an improvised trio with Gillet, Green, and drummer Doug Garrison.

Here's a news story from Offbeat, including a video clip with some gorgeous playing..

[mjazzg]

Would he be the Tim Green that recorded with Dennis Gonzalez?

If so, I enjoy his work on 'Hymn For The Perfect Heart Of A Pearl' and especially on 'Renegade Spirits'. So his name is heard across the Atlantic.

RIP whether I knew his playing or not

[clifford_thornton]

that clip is really strong. RIP.

yeah, I think Dennis is how his name might be familiar - thanks.

[jeffcrom]

Would he be the Tim Green that recorded with Dennis Gonzalez?

If so, I enjoy his work on 'Hymn For The Perfect Heart Of A Pearl' and especially on 'Renegade Spirits'. So his name is heard across the Atlantic.

RIP whether I knew his playing or not

Yes, that's him.

[CraigP]

Sorry to hear this.

[Steve Reynolds]

RIP

Also played with Dennis' Yels with Eels

Fwiw Hymn for Perfect Heart of a Pearl might be the most overlooked great album ever made by anyone.

Among other 1980's Dennis Gonzalez records

Prayers for the family and all the New Orleans musicians.

Too bad Dennis will write a hymn way too soon.....

[paul secor]

I kind of hate it that I'm so frequently the bearer of bad news when it comes to the passing of New Orleans musicians, but I try to keep up with the scene there. So...

According to a variety of sources, saxophonist Tim Green has died. I don't know any details about when or how. Unless you're close to the New Orleans scene, you're not likely to have heard of him. A modernist in a city filled with traditional jazz, he was a "musicians' musician," held in high esteem by his peers. His playing ranged from straight-ahead post-bop to free improvisation. He didn't travel much, but played creative music when he could and played R & B or Bourbon Street gigs to make a living when jazz gigs were scarce.

He played frequently played with bassist James Singleton, as well as with Michael Ray and the Naked Orchestra. I think my favorite that's in my library is cellist Helen Gillet's Runing of the Bells, an improvised trio with Gillet, Green, and drummer Doug Garrison.

Here's a news story from Offbeat, including a video clip with some gorgeous playing..

Thanks for the story (the way he got started in music is a unique and good one) and the video link - he had a good sound.

[colinmce]

A very powerful, moving performance. RIP.

[bluenoter]

Too bad Dennis will write a hymn way too soon.....

I discovered that he already did, Steve. It's track 7 on Herido: Live at St. James Cathedral, Chicago.

Here's a glowing obit for Tim Green from nola.com / the Times-Picayune:

http://tinyurl.com/TimGreenObit

R.I.P.

Edited August 31, 2014 by bluenoter

[Hardbopjazz]

RIP Mr. Green.

[Scott Dolan]

Terrible news...

His date with Yells At Eels is one of my all time favorites of theirs.

I asked Dennis if he'd ever record with him again, and IIRC he said that he had somehow lost track of the cat. I guess he had just disappeared from the scene for awhile. Wish I could remember the exact story.

Either way, the cat was a fucking beast on the horn.

[jeffcrom]

Today is Tim Green Day in New Orleans.