Tuesday, August 13, 2013 – 7:00pm & 9:30pm
I’ve been invited to be a part of a celebration of Mulgrew Miller’s music at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola – part of Jazz at Lincoln Center here in NYC. It’s being held on what would have been Mulgrew’s 58th birthday and will feature some pretty great musicians.
Pianists: Kenny Barron, Johnny O’Neal, Cedar Walton, Anthony Wonsey, Sullivan Fortner, Chris Pattishall, and Matthew Fries
Band: Steve Wilson, saxophone; Duane Eubanks, trumpet; Steve Nelson, vibraphone; Richie Goods, bass; and Rodney Green, drums
Mulgrew’s sudden passing due to a stroke he suffered back in May is heartbreaking to say the least. He was a beautiful gentle-giant of a man and a unparalleled voice on his instrument. JALC expressed the motivation behind this concert very beautifully on their website:
…we believe that “because jazz is rooted in the blues, it inspires us to face adversity with persistent optimism,” and saddened as we are by the loss of Mulgrew Miller, we intend to honor him as he lived – in the joyful spirit of jazz, with great positivity, companionship, and musicality.
I’m so flattered to be a part of this celebration of my friend and mentor. Make a joyful noise.