I saw him last January for the opening concert of the "sons d'hiver" festival. It was a solo recital and I remember how he was playing with the acoustic of the room. The way that the notes were moving in the space created a bridge for the coming touch on the key... My favorite of him is probably "young at heart / Wise In Time"
My memory is perhaps suspect on this point, but it tells me that Levels and Degrees of Light was the first truly "out there" jazz album that really thrilled me. Spyhumonesty is a recent revelation.
The NYT termed him "idiosyncratic". Well, yes, but there is a warmth at the center of his music that is very moving.
The pairing of Abrams and Bley on Sweet Earth Flying always seemed to me one of the finest truly unusual arranging ideas on a jazz album.
This makes me all the gladder to have seen Roscoe Mitchell and Anthony Braxton in October. All praise to the AACM and the vision of its founding members.RIP Richard Abrams.
That is indeed sad news - just been listening to 'Things To Come From Those Now Gone'
ReplyDeleteR.I.P MRA
R.I.P. MRA...
ReplyDeleteI saw him last January for the opening concert of the "sons d'hiver" festival. It was a solo recital and I remember how he was playing with the acoustic of the room. The way that the notes were moving in the space created a bridge for the coming touch on the key... My favorite of him is probably "young at heart / Wise In Time"
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear this news.
ReplyDeleteCS - your comment reminds me of the words on the sleeve of 1-OQA+19, which I will spin later.
Sad sad, RIP MRA
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful pioneer, organizer, leader, composer, performer, teacher, etc. He inspires me. Peace.
ReplyDeleteAnd he was the blacksmith of AACM & great black music; he won an eternal life.
ReplyDeleteMy memory is perhaps suspect on this point, but it tells me that Levels and Degrees of Light was the first truly "out there" jazz album that really thrilled me. Spyhumonesty is a recent revelation.
ReplyDeleteThe NYT termed him "idiosyncratic". Well, yes, but there is a warmth at the center of his music that is very moving.
The pairing of Abrams and Bley on Sweet Earth Flying always seemed to me one of the finest truly unusual arranging ideas on a jazz album.
This makes me all the gladder to have seen Roscoe Mitchell and Anthony Braxton in October. All praise to the AACM and the vision of its founding members.RIP Richard Abrams.
sad.
ReplyDeleteI really feel very bad. Was a wonderful musician. I will miss.Because I believe in Creative Courage
ReplyDelete