I remember Roy Eldridge's birthday (January 30) but only because it's the same as a friend's who's also a musician. I only ever heard of Eldridge because I knew his girlfriend or secretary, & his name was mentioned in that "he's someone" way. I once was in an elevator with Dizzy Gillespie. Only after he got out did people start breathing heavy about it so I even knew what had just happened. He was wearing sandals. I found out today (from Eldridge's birthday twin) that he influenced Gillespie & not the other way round. It wasn't my idea to go, but I went to a lot of jazz concerts with a boyfriend enough older that it was his music, with whom I heard—& liked!—Max Roach. It was the only time I was ever able to hear all the threads that were going on & how they combined with each other: the only time I "got" jazz, I think. I'm a hick from the sticks when it comes to music. I've always been sorry my ear is so limited. Would it help if I wore a beret?
NauenThen
Jazz embarrassment
December 16, 2014
Tags:
Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie
3 Comments
Comments
Dec 18, 2014 6:16 AM EST
Dizzy was the icon not just because of his amazing technique and originality, despite everyone being influenced by someone, but because he stood for a kind of independence of personality and behavior impossible for any "Negro" in those times, and not just because he wore a beret and had a soul patch (the first public figure to sport the latter to my knowledge, at least in that era).,..so the fact you were in his presence impresses me sweet sister of poetry...
- lally
Dec 18, 2014 12:09 PM EST
Roy Eldridge's birthday twin likes the blog and likes you too. I think berets look good on some people, but the only thing that would expand your ear is to listen to more music, more often. I suppose I should invite you to one of my gigs. For example, I'll be playing in an unpretentious but interesting concert at St. Peter's church Monday, February 2, 2015 1 pm (and it is free!!).
- Mark
Dec 19, 2014 11:11 AM EST
Thanks, both of you, for blowing my mind, in the best possible way. Next up: expanding my ear! Lal, let's go hear Mark in Feb. (Mark, I'll even skip black belt class to come.)
- —Elinor