Bassist Marshall Hawkins was born in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, DC and was an important jazz figure in Washington through the 1970s, playing with Shirley Horn, Roberta Flack, Miles Davis, and Richie Cole, among others. This documentary includes material on his Washington period but focuses on his work with students at Idyllwild Arts Academy in California.
Continue ReadingRichie Cole at the Village Vanguard, 1981
In memory of the saxophonist, who died May 1, 2020. This is an abbreviated half-hour video – there is a one hour version, but unfortunately, it’s not online now. Nevertheless, it gives a great sense of the exuberance of this band, featuring Bruce Forman (g), Bobby Enriquez (p), Marshall Hawkins (b), and Scott Morris (d).
Continue ReadingA Long-Winded Introduction
Hard to believe, but it has been well over a quarter of a century since I started presenting jazz research on the Internet. As the years passed, two different sites have evolved and spun off from my original personal website (established in 1996).
Continue ReadingShirley Horn Sings and Plays…Here’s to Life, 1992
This is a tremendous video documentary on one of the most important of all Washington, DC jazz musicians, Shirley Horn. With relaxed pacing and uncluttered focus, it presents a well-rounded picture of a great artist and features Shirley Horn at her home in Washington, in a Los Angeles studio with orchestra, and in public performances from the Village Vanguard and Lincoln Center in New York, all from 1991.
Continue ReadingTailgate Ramblings, 1971-1981
Dick Smith of the Potomac River Jazz Club has digitized (PDF) the first decade or so of the club newsletter. These provide a good deal of information on the Washington, DC traditional jazz scene.
The PRJC still exists, but later issues of Tailgate Ramblings are not yet available online.
Continue ReadingEarl Hines at Blues Alley, 1975
This excellent documentary film, Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines, was made by Charlie Nairn for the British ATV network (now-defunct). It features a good deal of footage of Earl Hines, both speaking and playing, filmed at Blues Alley in Washington, DC in the spring of 1975.
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