I played many, many gigs with James as a member of his groups, with the Toby Anderson Band, as sidemen on other gigs, and with him as a member of groups I put together. I can't begin to express how much his musicianship, acceptance, humor, and camaraderie meant to me. RIP, boss.
Sadly I never heard this cat because I live in Boston, but it’s so interesting to learn about the Austin jazz scene, of which I’ll bet most people who think they know Austin are completely uneducated. Who knew Kenny Dorham was a native?!
I was one of his students in the 90s at SWT. James took the time to hand feed me how to approach music. It's is because of him that I am the musician I am today. I teach the same values he gave me to my students as a private instructor. James has touched many lives and influenced many musicians. Thanks for love and grease Maestro!
Sorry, subscribers, I didn't mean to send this out while it was still being edited.
I played many, many gigs with James as a member of his groups, with the Toby Anderson Band, as sidemen on other gigs, and with him as a member of groups I put together. I can't begin to express how much his musicianship, acceptance, humor, and camaraderie meant to me. RIP, boss.
Sadly I never heard this cat because I live in Boston, but it’s so interesting to learn about the Austin jazz scene, of which I’ll bet most people who think they know Austin are completely uneducated. Who knew Kenny Dorham was a native?!
Also bassist Gene Ramey, who worked with Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins and many others. Guitarist Oscar Moore was also born in Austin.
Love it anyway. Such great memories.
I was one of his students in the 90s at SWT. James took the time to hand feed me how to approach music. It's is because of him that I am the musician I am today. I teach the same values he gave me to my students as a private instructor. James has touched many lives and influenced many musicians. Thanks for love and grease Maestro!
DVJazz
Dr. Polk was my Dad's friend. They made an album together, JP's Groove. Thanks so much for this wonderful article... *peace*