Jimmy Heath
With great sadness, I learned of the passing of saxophonist Jimmy Heath, so in addition to my otherwise planned show, I will pay tribute to and celebrate the music of Mr, Heath during my program tomorrow, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/obituaries/jimmy-heath-dead.html. At a mere 5′-3″, Mr. Heath was a true giant of Jazz. I count myself fortunate to have seen him several times in different groups and settings. Most recently, he appeared at the 2018 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition finals at the Kennedy Center. I also saw him in New York at the Village Vanguard a few years ago, with his brother Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums in a straight ahead jazz quartet. I don’t remember the other players, but this was not the old Heath Brothers sound, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heath_Brothers. As I said, it was more straight ahead. I also saw him perform in big band settings, including one led by him after the release of his Little Man, Big Band album, for which he received Grammy nomination. I also saw/heard him a couple times with the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band including a 80th birthday tour for Slide Hampton. Jimmy, we will miss you and your spirit, but your musical legacy lives on.
2nd Anniversary
This show marks the unofficial second anniversary of my hosting Morning Brew – Classic Jazz Edition. It was the 2017-18 holiday season when I was sitting in for former host Jim Dombrouski. A week after his return, he had to travel for a death in his family. Shortly thereafter, Jim suffered a series of medical challenges himself, and I have been in his chair ever since. Jim and his wife Patty now live in what was going to be their weekend home near Charlottesville, VA. Jim, if you are listening tomorrow or reading this post, I dedicate this show to you. I appreciate the trust you has in me all the times you asked me to sub for you during my first year on air.
So tomorrow, as my unofficial anniversary celebration, I will simply play music by pianist I appreciate, interspersed with some vocalist. I hope you enjoy.
Two local Jazz Artist
In the last half hour or so, I will preview a local musician and a local singer who will be performing this week/weekend. Thursday evening, for two shows at the new Club at Studio K in the Kennedy Center’s Reach, Howard University alumnus Elijah Jamal Balbed, https://elijahjamalbalbed.com/home, will perform. I first heard Mr. Balbed when he played with a D.C. all star band at my high school, Springbrook in north Silver Spring, MD, for the first and only annual Springbrook Jazz Festival. I have since caught him several times around town, including a DC Jazzfest concert at the Hamilton.
Additionally, singer Akua Allrich will perform at Westminster Church’s Jazz in Southwest series with a band including bassist Kris Funn, http://www.akuaallrich.com/ and http://www.funndamentals.com/. I first heard Ms. Allrich in duet with Mr. Funn when they opened for Marcus Strickland and Twi-Life at City Winery, for Mr. Strickland’s album release party. I have heard Mr, Funn, a Baltimore native and fixture on the Baltimore/DC Jazz scene, several times including his District Pier performance at last year’s DC Jazzfest.
I am so glad to support and highlight our local talent. Please join me tomorrow morning.
