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Nearly two months ago, I alerted you to a concert that the soprano saxophonist Bill Kirchner was going to play on October 7 at the New School in New York City. I regretted that it was 3,000 miles away. Now, my regret is that I didn’t jump on a plane and attend. Fortunately for me and for you, fellow blogger Marc Myers of Jazz Wax was in the audience. For Marc, it was an easy trip. He lives in the neighborhood, give or take a few dozen long Manhattan north-south blocks. One of his recent posts is about Kirchner and what he 
endured for years to regain his ability to play. It incorporates the transcript of an invaluable Ethan Iverson interview with Bill.
A New School video of Kirchner’s hour-and-a-half concert with bassist Jim Ferguson and pianist Carlton Holmes ends Marc’s post. Ferguson and Holli Ross are the vocalists, singing memorable ballads, and singing them beautifully. The concert is remarkable for its lyricism, musicianship, restraint, and the unity of the musicians. Video dissolves make Ms. Ross occasionally appear and disappear, a bit of serendipitous digital magic that somehow suits the spirit of the occasion. Watch the video, but please be sure to first read Myers’ and Iverson’s introductory pieces. They set the stage for a concert of surpassing intimacy. To see and hear it, click here.
Jim Ferguson says
November 28, 2014 at 10:23 pmThanks for this, Doug. I particularly appreciate your pointing readers to the Jazz Wax piece on Bill from Marc Myers. The included transcript of Ethan Iverson’s interview with Bill on the challenges he has faced is quite enlightening and moving. Playing with Bill is a lesson in determination, passion, and dedication. He is an amazing musician and an equally amazing human being.
Years ago after Tom Harrell had performed a concert of his music at Middle Tennessee State University I told my students that none of us held any excuse that would stand when compared to what Tom has to overcome just to walk out onto the stage. Bill’s challenges, though completely different, are no less daunting, and they aren’t getting easier for him, as you probably know. He continues to inspire those of us who are privileged to know and work with him.