This is fantastic to hear. Miles is so engaging, warm and upbeat. No surprise. I noticed the polls- I used to hang out for hours after the gig while on Maynard Ferguson's band (if we were doing a "hit and run" we'd play one city, get on a plane or comfortable bus and travel all night). I liked traveling on the bus because Maynard would grab me and he would chat all night. I was always surprised that the whole band didn't want to hear his recounting of the history- I just loved these times! His favorite subjects were Miles, who he really loved and admired (them playing at Birdland opposite one another, and there are two great stories he told many times) Johnny Hodges and Duke (probably his favorite band) Ben Webster, Joe Glaser, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, Paul Gonzalves, and of course Dizzy Gillespie. Dizzy even played piano in one of Maynard's rehearsals, and made harmonic suggestions regarding the arrangements to Maynard, who was thrilled. That period I believe of the late 50's Maynard spoke at length about Miles band with Trane playing opposite him at Birdland. He was truly enamored with that iteration of Miles' band. Thanks again, Dr. Porter. We all appreciate this information you share, so much.
What great memories, Jeff! If you don't mind, I'd love to have you talk about these experiences at the next Founders meeting--including those Miles stories, etc.! Would that be OK?
Of course, Lewis. Maynard made several important comments regarding the Birdland dates, one on applied trumpet playing. and Miles gave him some insight on improvisation, which I still think about today, and often. I actually checked the dates he had mentioned, and they were spot on with the dates in the Coltrane reference book, citing the bands playing opposite each other at Birdland. Fascinating! Thanks again for your hard work and expertise. Jeff
Yes, on and off for about 10 years. Rather than go on a detour about his whole life story I put a link there to a very entertaining piece about him by Leonard Feather. You might like it.
Hello Dom--that doesn't sound right--as I said, it's in fact a relaxed pace, not at all fast--something's screwed up on your connection--just try Reloading The Page--that usually fixes it--let me know. THANKS!
I thought I knew all the 1950 all- stars, but when "Jay Johnson " was listed as the wining male vocalist that threw me for a loop ! Thanks for all you do and keep swingin'
This is fantastic to hear. Miles is so engaging, warm and upbeat. No surprise. I noticed the polls- I used to hang out for hours after the gig while on Maynard Ferguson's band (if we were doing a "hit and run" we'd play one city, get on a plane or comfortable bus and travel all night). I liked traveling on the bus because Maynard would grab me and he would chat all night. I was always surprised that the whole band didn't want to hear his recounting of the history- I just loved these times! His favorite subjects were Miles, who he really loved and admired (them playing at Birdland opposite one another, and there are two great stories he told many times) Johnny Hodges and Duke (probably his favorite band) Ben Webster, Joe Glaser, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, Paul Gonzalves, and of course Dizzy Gillespie. Dizzy even played piano in one of Maynard's rehearsals, and made harmonic suggestions regarding the arrangements to Maynard, who was thrilled. That period I believe of the late 50's Maynard spoke at length about Miles band with Trane playing opposite him at Birdland. He was truly enamored with that iteration of Miles' band. Thanks again, Dr. Porter. We all appreciate this information you share, so much.
Kind regards,
Jeff
What great memories, Jeff! If you don't mind, I'd love to have you talk about these experiences at the next Founders meeting--including those Miles stories, etc.! Would that be OK?
Of course, Lewis. Maynard made several important comments regarding the Birdland dates, one on applied trumpet playing. and Miles gave him some insight on improvisation, which I still think about today, and often. I actually checked the dates he had mentioned, and they were spot on with the dates in the Coltrane reference book, citing the bands playing opposite each other at Birdland. Fascinating! Thanks again for your hard work and expertise. Jeff
Absolutely--Miles's group and Maynard's played alternating sets at Birdland. Looking forward to hearing more about this at our meeting! THANKS JEFF!
Rolf Ericson played with Duke for several years too.
Yes, on and off for about 10 years. Rather than go on a detour about his whole life story I put a link there to a very entertaining piece about him by Leonard Feather. You might like it.
Talking so fast it's hard to understand
Hello Dom--that doesn't sound right--as I said, it's in fact a relaxed pace, not at all fast--something's screwed up on your connection--just try Reloading The Page--that usually fixes it--let me know. THANKS!
Thanks for this great recording. Amazing to hear young Miles talking and thinking.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I thought I knew all the 1950 all- stars, but when "Jay Johnson " was listed as the wining male vocalist that threw me for a loop ! Thanks for all you do and keep swingin'
Ha ha--Thank you Art! I admit that I had the same reaction and I had to look him up! At that time he was singing with Kenton, and as you can see, anything associated with Kenton was huge. He died young in 1954: https://allthingskenton.com/table_of_contents/adventures/the-singers/jay-johnson/