We still get questions about whether there will be a service in memory of Bob Brookmayer, who died in December. The answer is yes. This is the updated information from Bob’s friend and colleague Bill Kirchner:
Here’s a reminder about the memorial for valve trombonist/composer/arranger Bob Brookmeyer (December 19,1929-December 15, 2011).
It will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (E. 54th St. between 3rd and Lexington Avenues) in New York City on Wednesday, April 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A reception will follow immediately afterward at the church.
That evening, Bob’s music will be played by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (for
which he wrote for over forty years) and two specially-assembled smaller groups. There will also be a number of distinguished speakers: (in alphabetical order) Darcy James Argue, Greg Bahora, Dave Bailey, Bill Crow, Ed Dix, Jim Hall, Bill Kirchner, Jim McNeely, Dick Oatts, Jimmy Owens, John Snyder, Michael Stephans, and Terry Teachout. In addition, there will be an audio tribute by Clark Terry, and a video presentation by Maria Schneider, Ryan Truesdell, and Marie Le Claire.
I’m the coordinator of this event, so any inquiries can be directed to me: kirch@mindspring.com
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Many thank for this sad information. I have been a fan of Brookmeyer since I was about 8 in Beirut, Lebanon of the 1960s. My father was heading for the Middle East in 1958 from NY City. He read an article in the NY Times recommending 10 great albums of the year and bought them all, before setting off for his new job and bringing up his kids in the Middle East. One was Trav’lin’ Light by Jimmy Giuffre with Jim Hall and Brookmeyer. I still own the old LP and got the CD reissue as soon as it came out. I own most of Brookmeyer’s albums, as well as Giuffre’s and Hall’s. Trav’lin Light is still one of my favorite albums.
I wish I could be at the memorial and hear the tribute. Very best to you. I have just found your blog and will check in regularly.