Sep 24, 2024 12:02 PM
In Memoriam: Benny Golson, 1929–2024
Benny Golson, one of the greatest composers and saxophonists of the bebop era, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at his…
Henry Grimes (1935–2020)
(Photo: Nick Ruechel)Philadelphia-born bassist Henry Grimes, revered for his work alongside jazz titans, died April 15 at the age of 84, according to a report from WBGO. His death was attributed to complications from COVID-19. Margaret Davis Grimes, his wife, confirmed the details to the Jazz Foundation of America, which had been assisting with the bassist’s medical care at the Northern Manhattan Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Harlem.
Onstage or in the studio, Grimes worked with Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Cecil Taylor, Gerry Mulligan, Albert Ayler, McCoy Tyner, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins and Pharoah Sanders, among others. Known primarily for his bass work, the Juilliard-trained performer also played violin.
Grimes’ debut as a leader, The Call, was released in 1965. But after a prolific period in New York early in the decade, Grimes relocated to Los Angeles in 1968. Finding little work, he dropped out of the music scene altogether and disappeared from public life.
In 2002, a social worker named Marshall Marrotte tracked down Grimes, who didn’t own an instrument at the time. William Parker eventually gifted him with a bass, setting in motion one of the most intriguing comebacks in jazz history.
Grimes went on to play hundreds of concerts, and among his post-comeback albums were guitarist Marc Ribot’s 2014 album Live At The Village Vanguard, which also featured drummer Chad Taylor, and Spirits Aloft, a 2010 duo project recorded with drummer Rashied Ali.
In 2016, Grimes performed at and was the subject of tributes during the Vision Festival. Covering a June 7, 2016, concert at Judson Church in New York for DownBeat, Ken Micallef wrote, “Every number was infused by Grimes’ presence. Shifting from bass to violin, his concentrated stare never changed, even as he was joined by different musicians. His spirit was as strong and undeniable as his performance.” DB
Benny Golson soaks in the music during a late-career performance at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase.
Sep 24, 2024 12:02 PM
Benny Golson, one of the greatest composers and saxophonists of the bebop era, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at his…
Claire Daly, right, performs with tenor saxophonist George Garzone at Dizzy’s in 2023.
Oct 23, 2024 10:10 AM
Claire Daly often signed her correspondences with “Love and Low Notes.”
The baritone saxophonist, who died Oct.…
Harpist Brandee Younger is among the performers on the program for this year’s Hyde Park Jazz Fest in Chicago.
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The 18th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival will be held on 13 unique stages across Chicago’s Hyde Park, Kenwood and…
McNeil’s virtuosity as a player was unimpeachable and his imagination as an improviser was vast.
Oct 2, 2024 11:35 AM
John McNeil, a trumpeter, composer and educator who built an accomplished and progressive career in jazz despite a…
“I don’t focus on the harshness of the music business,” Lloyd says. “I focus on the profundity of what we’re doing because that’s the real stuff. You can change the world with that.”
Sep 4, 2024 1:29 PM
“To get this honor at this late stage, I suppose I’m blessed. I just know that this is a sacred song, and I’m in…
