We continue now our occasional series of audio interviews from the Claes Dahlgren collection in Sweden. It is often said that for certain artists, recordings just don’t do them justice. Tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh (1927-1987) was such an artist, in my experience. Of course recordings capture the notes he played—which in themselves are quite amazing—but for the most part they do not capture his intensity and magnetism. I wish you could have been at the Village Vanguard in June 1980, as I was, when he played there with Sal Mosca on piano, and a bassist and drummer. I was a little late, so he was already in the middle of a solo. The power and brilliance of his lines and of his tone were mesmerizing. I have never seen an audience so still and absolutely focused. It was clear that something important was happening. And his unique sound was strong, not the somewhat “thin” tone that people describe from recordings. This
Always happy to see Warne Marsh content! A friend of mine tracked down Marsh’s wife after his death and she told him she’d fallen in love with Marsh after hearing his sound.
Thank you. Always more to explore. My former neighbor Steve Lasker handed me a disc of Lennie Tristano when he found I didn't know about him. And let's just say even some of the better jazz stations out there are guilty of playing the same old over and over, but there's no way I could be talking about KJAZZ in Los Angeles. Where David Benoit always airs at least one of his own songs, and the other DJs double down. (upside down smiley face emoji?)
I know what you mean--even public radio feels pressure to play what they know people already like. Steven and i are in touch fairly often. THANK YOU Dean
The "Steeplechase Unissued Studio Performances CD" arrived today. It's wonderful! I got to hear and record Warne with Supersax for a 5-night week in '77 at Ratso's. Zoot played alternate sets with a local rhythm section and a pianist he was very unhappy with. On the last set of the week, Zoot and Warne played several tunes together. It was as nice as you imagine. The master is at the LAJI archive. Chuck Nessa was there, and a few days later, Warne recorded for Chuck's label.
I am still listening to Warne play and still am deeply moved by his music. To understand the man one must know his only true love was music. It was so strong that I told him that at times I could see the notes flying out of his head. He would just smile. Thanks for your post. Geraldyne Marsh
Thank you for these nice thoughts about your late husband. KC interviewed me some years ago for the film. I hope he's able to finish it someday. THANK YOU GERALDYNE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Always happy to see Warne Marsh content! A friend of mine tracked down Marsh’s wife after his death and she told him she’d fallen in love with Marsh after hearing his sound.
Wow--very cool--Thank you Karl!
Thank you. Always more to explore. My former neighbor Steve Lasker handed me a disc of Lennie Tristano when he found I didn't know about him. And let's just say even some of the better jazz stations out there are guilty of playing the same old over and over, but there's no way I could be talking about KJAZZ in Los Angeles. Where David Benoit always airs at least one of his own songs, and the other DJs double down. (upside down smiley face emoji?)
I know what you mean--even public radio feels pressure to play what they know people already like. Steven and i are in touch fairly often. THANK YOU Dean
The "Steeplechase Unissued Studio Performances CD" arrived today. It's wonderful! I got to hear and record Warne with Supersax for a 5-night week in '77 at Ratso's. Zoot played alternate sets with a local rhythm section and a pianist he was very unhappy with. On the last set of the week, Zoot and Warne played several tunes together. It was as nice as you imagine. The master is at the LAJI archive. Chuck Nessa was there, and a few days later, Warne recorded for Chuck's label.
Wow--great story--Warne and Zoot sounds like a great combination. That's very cool that you recorded Supersax when Warne was a member. THANKS JIM!
I am still listening to Warne play and still am deeply moved by his music. To understand the man one must know his only true love was music. It was so strong that I told him that at times I could see the notes flying out of his head. He would just smile. Thanks for your post. Geraldyne Marsh
Thank you for these nice thoughts about your late husband. KC interviewed me some years ago for the film. I hope he's able to finish it someday. THANK YOU GERALDYNE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!