Woods, my universe:
He just seems to have developed and matured in a parallel / separate Jazz universe from the one in which I lived. This is surely not a criticism. That would be absurd.
But, reading the piece, I only recognized one name in his story, Quincy Jones. Jones is the consummate musician. At home in any genre, but he never one of my favorite Jazz players. I think I have one CD by him. Had more LPs, in the 'Killer Joe' vein.
He spent some time in Europe and formed a group called "The European Rhythm Machine. The odds of me buying or listening to a CD by a group called European Rhythm Machine, approached zero.
This statement sums up why he never got my attention, this is after he went to Europe.
"I sounded like I was let out of jail. The Europeans were much more aware of development in music than American musicians at that point.(1969). You were expected to be an artist and to experiment".
Now, think of who was alive and playing in 1969. Going to Europe to improve in Jazz, is like a Kid from Brazil or Germany, coming to the U.S. to learn Soccer.
My only point is this, he never played with the players I bought and followed. Even when he did, it was as a sideman, and at that stage in my music appreciation, I only paid attention to the leaders. And, that European experimental stuff, well, it is what it is.
But, he is one of the few guys that made me look at the notes to see who was playing, as I listened to the CD. He was very, very good. And from all I have read, a very nice human being.
Cheers
