1) Bobby Timmons at "Bradley's" in the Village
I lived on University Place from the fall of 1963 to the summer of 1966,and during my post Army days of March 1971,Bobby T. and Hank Jones were the featured guests.
Bobby is currently receiving a lot of air-time on WDUQ (90.5) with his 1964 recording of Holiday Soul.
Last Saturday evening while at the Guild,I chuckled when I recalled Bobby challenging Billy Higgins to a one-on-one hoops game.
Don't know if you know but Billy was a Bopper with a good hoops game.
2) Ellis Larkins at the Carnagie Tavern- Ellis was a great foil foil trumpet players.
Never saw Ellis.
3)Lee Morgan at "Pep's" in Philly
Lee at 'the Village Gate' was what perked my interest and love for the trumpet
Then came Freddie and the whole world exploded.
4) Charlie Shavers in a little bar in A.C. It was 5 AM and there were only four people in the bar...........all feeling no pain. Charlie was indescribable.
Heard of the Atlantic City scene and of the evening Billy (Me & Mrs.Jones)
Paul took center stage and a whole lot of shooting started in the hall.
5) Jo Jones at "Jim and Andy's" giving impromptu drum lessons to the "Chuckleheads." He sometimes used only brushes and a bar stool for his magic.
I always thought my man ZOOT SIMS had a private room to relax and sleep at Jim & Andy's place on 50th Street.
Come to think of it,most of the elder and traditional boppers slept through
daylight time while prowling and performing in the dark.
Can you imagine the energy saved and much reduced Con-Edison electric costs were those acoustic and candlelight players still around
6)Thad and Mel's band at the Vanguard
That was one of the most POTENT live band I ever saw .
By 1966,I had established myself as a frequent and young guest at the VV and Mr.Max Gordon recognized and appreciated my frequent visits.
I had to contribute to the two drink minimum even though I fell below the threshold age limit.
Ginger ale damn sure quenched the palate when the players in that basement joint started to cook with high heat.
I can stll hear Pepper Adams belting out those sweet bari riffs.
The trumpet sections is what the drinking class refer to as 'top shelf.'
I could go on forever
I know what's it like to be on a roll.
Chuck Mangione with Gerry Niewood at the Bottom Line Cabaret circa 1972
were regulars and always turned in outstanding performances.
The same can be said about Eric Gayle,Richard T.,Steve Gadd and a man with a horn voice that I can identify within two notes - that man is Hank Crawford !