| Re: Freddie
It was so nice to meet you, Wilmer! For those of you who haven't met him, he is just about the sweetest man you'll ever see, with a smile that lights up a room. I only wish I could've heard you play! Next time...
The night was really amazing. So great to see so many people out, including all the musicians. Jeremy Pelt was dressed to the nines!
Freddie held court all night like a king ruling over his subjects. He looked great, and was in great spirits. He didn't play a lot, as he's just coming back from some health issues, but the band was killin'. Slide Hampton and James Spaulding on flute really stole the show. True masters, both. At one point Freddie said "I wanna hear Spaulding play a ballad" and James picked up his flute and played and exquisite version of "In a Sentimental Mood" with the rhythm section. Who, by the way, was Ronnie Matthews, Christian McBride (holy cow!) and Louis Hayes.
All in all a great night of seeing legends perform. I shook Freddie's hand during the set break (he sat at the piano and talked to everyone who wanted to talk to him), and we somehow ended up in a discussion of Barack Obama!
I hope he continues to play and stay on the scene...we need him!
__________________ NEW CD "THE JASON PARKER QUARTET" AVAILABLE HERE.
Trumpets: Selmer Paris Concept TT, 1946 Martin Committee
Flugel: 1970's Couesnon
Mpcs: Bach 7C, Curry 5FLM Jason Parker Quartet Jason Parker Music |