bigtiny

I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida.

When I was about 20 years old, I heard that Idress Sulieman was in town. I couldn't believe it...

A friend of mine called and said that he was putting together a big band around 'drees and would I like to participate. After thinking about it for about a nanosecond I agreed and got the rehearsal details.

The first rehearsal went smoothly, and afterward I approached Mr. Sulieman and introduced myself. He complimented me on my playing (!?) we had a nice conversation. I asked why he was in St. Pete and he replied that he was actually from there, and he had just returned home to care for is ill father (who died shortly after this).

Not much happened with the big band, but there were several more rehearsals and I used to run into 'Drees around town at sessions and such.

He was always a very nice man and told me stories about playing with Trane, and living in Europe, playing the Clarke-Boland band and stuff. And he was a MONSTER player!

Mr. Sulieman is no longer with us, but I just wanted to mention him here. One doesn't hear or read much about him, but I would encourage any of you who are interested in master jazz players to check him out.

bigtiny

bostonjazz29

Nice post bigtiny. I agree 100 percent that he is not recognized enough! Love his stuff with Monk and Blakey.

Mike
Mike Mckenna Music

bigtiny

Just found this:

St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search