I explained in a previous essay how it is that recordings of legendary jazz figures continue to turn up. The quick version is that even before tape-recording was widely available in the late 40s, a relatively small number of people had disc recorders. This one is different because it was recorded by a professional, Phil Featheringill, who owned the
Wow. Excellent. What a find. Many of my friends over the years have confused this song with Lennon and McCartneys yesterday. Another great song but...take care Lewis. I'll be in touch
Wow! A lot going on there. Raney and Lee sounding more like students at a session, though Lee had the form right, they just decided to double the harmonic rhythm behind him.
Joe Hunt tells a story about a Raney led gig with Lee in Boston, maybe early 60s? they rehearsed a whole set of tunes, then when they got to the gig Lee said “I don’t want to play any of those tunes,” and had all these ideas of how they should play. To which Raney replied, “well Lee, it’s my gig and we’re going to do the tunes we rehearsed.” Lee said “ok” and the gig went fine.
Yes, it's clear that Lee knew the form but wasn't ready for what they were doing. That's a funny story about Lee--because, as I will tell sometime, I did 7 or 8 gigs with Lee over the years and as late as 2015 he would still sometimes say "I don't want to play those tunes," even after agreeing to a set list. He did this in front of the audience. He was brilliant and funny, but difficult too. But that's also interesting that Lee and Raney did play together at other times. THANK YOU JON!
One of the first jazz albums I bought was Lennie Tristano on Atlantic. I didn't know anything about his music and bought the album because I thought his name was cool and mysterious. At the time, I remember not caring for the music.
Your essay inspired me this morning to pull the album off the shelve and listen to it again—I don't think I had listened to it in years. I have to say, I was taken by his dark melodies.
Wow. Excellent. What a find. Many of my friends over the years have confused this song with Lennon and McCartneys yesterday. Another great song but...take care Lewis. I'll be in touch
Ha ha yes, that can be confusing. THANK YOU JAY
WOW Fantastic Lewis early Papa Lennie! thank you)
Thanks Dave! Hope all is well--let's be in touch.
Wow! A lot going on there. Raney and Lee sounding more like students at a session, though Lee had the form right, they just decided to double the harmonic rhythm behind him.
Joe Hunt tells a story about a Raney led gig with Lee in Boston, maybe early 60s? they rehearsed a whole set of tunes, then when they got to the gig Lee said “I don’t want to play any of those tunes,” and had all these ideas of how they should play. To which Raney replied, “well Lee, it’s my gig and we’re going to do the tunes we rehearsed.” Lee said “ok” and the gig went fine.
Yes, it's clear that Lee knew the form but wasn't ready for what they were doing. That's a funny story about Lee--because, as I will tell sometime, I did 7 or 8 gigs with Lee over the years and as late as 2015 he would still sometimes say "I don't want to play those tunes," even after agreeing to a set list. He did this in front of the audience. He was brilliant and funny, but difficult too. But that's also interesting that Lee and Raney did play together at other times. THANK YOU JON!
Ha, yes when I heard that story I was amazed at how he had always been that way!
True!
Very enjoyable stuff!! Thanks.
Thank you Greg!
One of the first jazz albums I bought was Lennie Tristano on Atlantic. I didn't know anything about his music and bought the album because I thought his name was cool and mysterious. At the time, I remember not caring for the music.
Your essay inspired me this morning to pull the album off the shelve and listen to it again—I don't think I had listened to it in years. I have to say, I was taken by his dark melodies.
Good to hear it—the very first track LineUp is very influential on musicians, including me! Thanks Peter!
Nice discovery! Lennie and Lee always sound great together.
Thanks Lewis.
Thank you Gerard!