Dennis Irwin Needs Help

ON DENNIS IRWIN, THE SUPERB JAZZ BASSIST WHO IS PRESENTLY ILL -

Dennis worked his first pro gigs with my band in Dallas, Texas. The gig was a riot. We played for SPANO the Great, a hypnotist, a very powerful and strange hypnotist (but that story is for another day). Dennis and I went to school at NTSU in Denton, Texas. (in the early 1970's) He was a clarinet player and he came to me and said "let me play this gig on bass". I said,"Dennis you play clarinet not bass!" He replied, "Let me do it." So I said, "You got it." And all I can say is the rest is jazz music history. He goes with the great new Blakey Messengers with David Schnitter, Walter Davis, Valery Ponomorov. Ernie Wilkins told me that the Jazz Messengers when Dennis was in the group was the greatest jazz group on the planet Earth. Ha!
We would all run into each other on the road when I was with Clark Terry's Band. What a time!

Dennis, Here's hoping to a complete recovery. God Bless and clear all obstacles. Good Journey.
Good Joss! See you on the other side.

DENNIS IRWIN TRIBUTE

On Monday, February 18, 2008 at the Village Vanguard, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra will honor its great bassist Dennis Irwin with a night of music featuring guest soloists Joe Lovano and John Scofield whose bands have also run on Irwin power for much of the last 15 years. The motivation for this night is to say thanks to a rare person, of great value to all of us, on and off the bandstand. The reason we're doing it now is because Dennis is undertaking a medical battle and we're in it with him.

Show times are 8:00, 10:00, and 12:00. Sets one and two will feature Joe and John with the band playing material from all periods of the band's great library. Set three will open it up for the band and many of Dennis' friends to come down and tear it up. The bar will be open as usual but admissions will be tax deductible and may be cash (receipts available) or check (made out to Sixteen as One Music Inc. memo Dennis Irwin) at the door. All admissions going to Dennis. Sets one and two - $75. each. Set three - $50. Those who wish to contribute but can't attend should send checks made out as above to:

Sixteen as One Music Inc.
888-C 8th Ave. #160
New York, NY 10019

Special thanks to Lorraine and Deborah Gordon and the staff at the Village Vanguard who instantly volunteered the use of the club for this event. This will be a special night.

Dennis is an amazing musician. I've seen him play with Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts group at Scullers in Boston, as I am a friend of (Trumpeter) Terell Stafford. It's definitely a tough break for him especially not having insurance, any small contribution will help. . .God's blessings, Dennis, and please get well soon___ Arts & Crafts needs your strong anchoring voice.

I met Dennis about 30 years ago when I just came back to NYC. A great Musician. My question: Has anyone contacted MusiCares?--an arm of NARAS? They may be able to offer some assistance.They are a great organization.