Buster Williams: The Legendary Bassist Who Set the Groove
Introduction:
Buster Williams is a name synonymous with excellence in jazz bass playing. Born eighty-two years ago today on April 17, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey, Williams has established himself as one of the most versatile and sought-after bassists in the world of jazz. With a career spanning over five decades, Williams has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and continues to…
I'm getting a forties and fifties jazz club vibe from this shoot rather than the perhaps intended 1920s jazz age. Come with JK back to the smokey New York basement bars of the time where the brightest stars in the jazz firmament were at the peak of their powers.
"Sonny Stitt, NYC," 1953.
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This photo of JK does something to me. A waistcoat is such a sexy article of clothing, and one that both guys and dolls look hot in.
Deftly handling the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone, bebop giant Sonny Stitt is heard to perfection here on a variety of early-'50s dates. Stitt not only shows off his patented speed throughout, but he goes a long way in dispelling criticisms of him being all fire and no grace.
McKie Fitzhugh presents (in person): Sonny Stitt and his Jazz Boys in a Big Musicians Jazz Festival Honoring the Late Charlie Parker, Wardell Gray and Lester Prez Young / Lou Donaldson, McKie's Disc Jockey Show Lounge, Chicago, IL, 1962
Harmony in Motion: The Enduring Legacy of Sonny Stitt
Introduction:
In the illustrious tapestry of jazz, Sonny Stitt emerges as a virtuoso whose artistry resonates across generations. Born Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. one hundred years ago today on February 2, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts, Stitt’s journey through bebop, hard bop, and beyond has left an indelible mark on the landscape of jazz. This blog post delves into the life, career, and lasting…