Jazz ... Anecdotes!

[moktan]

Always happy to spread the gospel according to Dan

Amen to that. Reminded me so much of this reminiscence about Art Blakey in the liner notes of Roots and Herbs.

Once , when the Messengers were in their station wagon on one of those seemingly interminable trip between dates they came to the outskirts of a small town and seeing a goodly crowd gathered , got out to stretch their legs and see what was happening.


It was a funeral.


They moved up closer.


Intoned the minister , “Does anyone have anything to say before we inter these mortal remains?”


Silence.


Again the question was asked. Again , silence.


At which point they say Art stepped forward and said huskily , “If there is nothing anyone wants to say about the deceased , I hope no one here minds if I say a few words about jazz.”

 

[Nikhil]

At which point they say Art stepped forward and said huskily , “If there is nothing anyone wants to say about the deceased , I hope no one here minds if I say a few words about jazz.”

Moktan, looks like we need a separate discussion for famous jazz anecdotes!


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[moktan]

Perhaps we can start with how Chet Baker lost his teeth. Or is it tooth or part of tooth? There are multiple versions of this , like Roshomon.

Moktan, looks like we need a separate discussion for famous jazz anecdotes!


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[Nikhil]

Here's my 0.02

Coltrane says to Miles, "I don't know how to end my solos," and Miles says, "Take the horn out your mouth!"

"He plays pretty good, for a millionaire." - Cecil Taylor on Miles Davis


Found this while looking around

Jazz Corner: Personal Jazz Anecdotes

Autographed records from Dizzy Gillespie, sitting in on jam sessions with Clark Terry and sharing a drink with Bill Evans

rollingstoneindia.com

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[jaiwant_alex]

Dont have anecdotes, but here are a couple of quotes - not verbatim, and i dont vouch for authenticity, but they do hit the nail on the head

Louis Armstrong (when asked by a reporter to define/explain what Jazz is) - " Son, if you're asking, you'll never know"

Max Roach - "Jazz is a democratic musical form. We take our respective instruments and collectively create something beautiful"