Milford Graves RIP

[ep1str0phy]

Hello, all-

Breaking a moment of silence as I have received numerous notices that the great Milford Graves has passed away. He and I were friends. Part of my intention in beginning this thread is to see if other intimates may have some knowledge to impart that I do not - but from what I can gather in my state, we have confirmation. (The most "official" source, since it's NPR sanctioned: https://twitter.com/totalvibration/status/1360365557778960384)

There's a lot to unpack here, but let me just say that the music world is tremendously fortunate to have had Professor Graves doing what he did - for so long - and so well. I consider myself spectacularly fortunate to have known his company for the past couple of years. 

Not to get too maudlin, but I had just sent him a belated holiday card. As in it was in the mail this morning. As Milford once said to me, "Spend time with people."

Love to all folk, musical and otherwise,

K

[John L]

RIP.  His live performances were always memorable.  

[clifford_thornton]

So sad to hear this -- he was a giant & I felt lucky to have seen him play a bunch, though never got to speak with him. Blasting his records tonight. RIP.

[Steve Reynolds]

Ugh

so glad to see him years ago with William Parker & Peter Brotzmann - maybe 1999 or 2000. They were blazing. Milford was roaring doing what he did with his homemade wondrous drum set. Somewhere down town NY - maybe CBGB’s basement?!?!

Even more grateful to see him on June 12, 2019 @ Vision Fest when he willed himself to get there - and then to get on stage and play what must have been his last concert - a duo with Andrew Cyrille. I made it a point to say hello and thank him for being him. 
 

RIP, sir

 

and now thinking of Uli:)

Edited February 13, 2021 by Steve Reynolds

[Chuck Nessa]

Last saw him at Big Ears.

[BFrank]

3 hours ago, Chuck Nessa said:

Last saw him at Big Ears.

Big Ears for me, too. Solo and with Jason Moran.

RIP, Mr Graves

[mjazzg]

Damn, didn't want to start the day with this news. Unlike others never saw him live, not sure if he ever played over here, but his recordings made a very big impact. Also loved the recent film.

I'm separated from my collection but would definitely be playing the NYAQ box set today. Will have to see what Spotify has to offer instead.

RIP

[Pim]

RIP mr. Graves  he surely will be missed!

[soulpope]

[JSngry]

One of the more fully realized lives we'll be blessed to have witnessed and shared.

RIP, and let THAT be a lesson to us all.

[Steve Reynolds]

4 hours ago, JSngry said:

One of the more fully realized lives we'll be blessed to have witnessed and shared.

RIP, and let THAT be a lesson to us all.

Yeah - all of it

The emotion he had when he finally was able to get behind the drum set to play with Andrew. He would not be denied and he said no matter what he was going to do it for Andrew on Mr. Cyrille’s special night. He was glowing when I said hello to him like he was truly blessed to have a few of us appreciate him. 
 

and the film, wow stuff

 

no paradigm for Milford Graves 

 

[Jason Bivins]

Big Ears for me too. RIP, sir.

[Clunky]

sad news indeed.

 

[Hardbopjazz]

Sad. RIP, Milford. 

[mikeweil]

R.I.P.

A true original and a big inspiration to become one myself. 

[JSngry]

Full Mantis is on Amazon Prime.

Just watch it, never mind what you think it's going to be about, just watch it.

My wife, who does not at all like anything resembling "energy music" or "free jazz" was hooked about 10-15 minutes into it. She got deep into it.

It's that kind of a thing.

[Randal]

Listening to Milford Graves.

[romualdo]

RIP Milford

https://www.amazon.com/Milford-Graves-Full-Mantis/dp/B07NGRL22J

have had it on my list to watch for a few months now

[Rabshakeh]

5 hours ago, Randal said:

Listening to Milford Graves.

Such a classic.

[mikeweil]

Just found and ordered a copy of the complete concert when this album was recorded: