Jazz Messengers--longest stints

[felser]

3 hours ago, Ken Dryden said:

Bobby Watson told me in an interview that he was trying to stay a little longer with Blakey when learned of a gig that he wasn’t told about and that’s how he learned that Blakey had kicked him out of the nest to encourage him to go out on his own.   

Great story!

[Ken Dryden]

The funniest Bobby Watson story is about the song "Ms. B.C." His wife Pamela composed it and he brought it to the band without her name on it, because he was afraid that Art wouldn't play it if he knew it was written by a female. Art liked the song and they continued to play it, with Art thinking that Bobby wrote it. He finally confessed to Art that it was Pamela's song before a gig that she would be attending. Art introduced it as Pamela's song, telling the crowd that, "She writes all of Bobby's songs."

[felser]

15 minutes ago, Ken Dryden said:

The funniest Bobby Watson story is about the song "Ms. B.C." His wife Pamela composed it and he brought it to the band without her name on it, because he was afraid that Art wouldn't play it if he knew it was written by a female. Art liked the song and they continued to play it, with Art thinking that Bobby wrote it. He finally confessed to Art that it was Pamela's song before a gig that she would be attending. Art introduced it as Pamela's song, telling the crowd that, "She writes all of Bobby's songs."

😃

[Milestones]

Yeah, the idea was really to develop and mature the players and then kick them out.

Given this philosophy, it's surprising that Wayne--with all his talent--was there for 5 years.

 

 

 

[soulpope]

6 hours ago, Milestones said:

Yeah, the idea was really to develop and mature the players and then kick them out.

Given this philosophy, it's surprising that Wayne--with all his talent--was there for 5 years.

True .... probably mirroring his importance as composer, arranger and soloist for the combo ....

[JSngry]

An opportunity to get new players was also an opportunity to reduce the payroll.

This is not an original observation btw.

[ghost of miles]

On 6/15/2024 at 8:38 AM, Ken Dryden said:

Bobby Watson told me in an interview that he was trying to stay a little longer with Blakey when learned of a gig that he wasn’t told about and that’s how he learned that Blakey had kicked him out of the nest to encourage him to go out on his own.   

Iirc Watson was the one to whom Blakey said, "This isn't the post office."