On The Shoulders Of Giants

A few years ago, during lunch with producer, educator, drummer, Willie Jones III, and world-class pianist and educator, Eric Reed, I was treated to a relative "jazz history lesson" that resonates within me even to this day. It was during this edification that I realized that these brilliant men, through their years of touring, had witnessed, heard and tasted elements of life that I can only dream of. It was awe-inspiring to hear them make "mental stops" in Rome, Paris, Argentina, The Netherlands and even exotic lands found only in places where your "dreams go when THEY dream of vacationing". It was during this discussion that I came to better understand that this and other activities are a privilege to witness. In my lifetime, I won't see a fraction of what they've experienced. Over the years, they have allowed me to live vicariously through their senses and for that I am exceedingly grateful. In the spirit of brotherhood, for the sake of art, and for the fortunate few of us who have a deep appreciation for their years of dedication, for those like me, who take artistic sustenance from those who have gone before me, we're presented with "Fallen Heroes".

Willie Jones III did not arrive "overnight" seeking a spotlight and all the other accolades that come with being a top-tier professional musician/artist. He, like his mentors acts as a prefect - learning while sharing his wisdom and has worked many decades to get where he is. That said, when in the presence of greatness, even one of the most polished of artist would consider it an honor and privilege to glean wisdom from one the "old sages".

In any case, it would take a great deal of personal pride/arrogance or naivety to ignore the priceless value of sitting at the feet of saxophonist/educator and composer Jimmy Heath (October 25, 1926 – January 19, 2020).

Photo: Mr. Jimmy Heath

Mr. Heath's exclusive style and well-documented work with an endless list of innovators such as Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane Miles Davis and not to mention his work with his own brothers, Percy and Albert. It is essential to note that he is also the father of legendary musician James Mtume.

Then there is drummer/percussionist, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (July 1, 1952 – February 3, 2018); he was much more than a performer and educator; his name rings out as an innovator on both recordings and live performances with names like Miles Davis, Santana, Tina Turner, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson and a seemingly endless volume of others.

Photo: Mr. Ndugu Chancler

Photo: Willie Jones III and Roy Hargrove - Bern, Switzerland

Respected and loved the world over, trumpeter, Roy Hargrove (October 16, 1969 – November 2, 2018) gave us all a very diverse, yet always uniquely personalized view of what music should be; no boundaries, always fresh and limitless.

How fortunate would it be for one to take in a lunch chat with someone like saxophonist Jeff Clayton (February 16, 1954 – December 16, 2020) of the world-renowned Clayton brothers; speaking on the subject of touring life or recording with legends like Gladys Knight, Ray Charles and Kenny Rogers? Photo: Jeff Clayton Photo: Jeff Clayton

Last, but certainly not least is the very brilliant pianist/composer, Larry Willis (December 20, 1942 – September 29, 2019), who is probably best known in the Jazz world for his work with the aforementioned Roy Hargrove. Mr. Willis was, very much akin to Hargrove; one who rendered his art across multiple genres.

Photo: Larry Willis

Willis spent many years with the jazz/pop ensemble Blood Sweat And Tears as well as Jerry Gonzalez and His Fort Apache Band and toured extensively with many of Roy's ensembles throughout the world. The commonality between these great artists is that they are not only now sharing their amazing arias and lives with their ancestors, their influence on the improvised arts/jazz community will surely last throughout for generations to come. Stop and think on the countless others we've lost in this same period; most recently, I lost two of my own piano icons in McCoy Tyner (December 11, 1938 – March 6, 2020) and Armando "Chic" Corea (June 12, 1941 – February 9, 2021). May all of these heroes rest well and somehow realize how they have influenced each of our lives

Jones III, carries his own commonality with each of these icons and his latest release titled "Fallen Heroes" will offer a musical homage to each of these exceptional artists. The album, slated for a May, 2021 release, features nine specially selected sides which Mr. Jones III and his contingent have delivered tastefully and masterfully. "It was my plan originally to do a tribute album to Roy, but then we lost so many of my friends in such a short period of time, I decided to pay my respects to all of them" says Willie.

Joining Jones III on this recording are a splendid collective which includes: George Cables and Isaiah J. Thompson sharing duties on piano; saxophonists, Sherman Irby and Justin Robinson; bassist Gerald Cannon; Renee Neufville on vocals, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and Steve Davis on trombone.

Joining Willie in the engineering post-production role is veteran producer and engineer Maureen Sickler at the Van Gelder studios.

Fallen Heroes is not just a reflection on these extraordinary artists and their works, but a vitriolic reminder that despite the physical departure of those we call our mentors and dear friends, their spirit lives on via the music/art. "I feel an obligation to those whose shoulders I'm standing on" says Mr. Jones III. It is also an aide-memoire that, in these "pandemically-challenged" times, we too have a part in securing the future of this art form by supporting live music and purchasing recordings of our favorite artists every chance we get. We should remain optimistic and vigilant; however, at the same time cherish those moments with our loved ones, mentors and heroes - taking nothing for granted.

The physical album (in CD format) can be purchased directly from the website by visiting the WJ3 Records website or sending an e-mail to: [email protected] or via the web AMAZON.com

#jazz #wj3records #music #arts #williejonesII