makpjazz57

Here is William Gottlieb's wonderful photo outside of Minton's (maybe 1947) with Monk, Howard McGhee, Roy Eldridge, Teddy Hill. The outside looks similar, although there is no longer an awning and a handicap access ramp has replaced the stairs. Also, I believe the neon sign you see in the picture jazzshrink posted above is not the original and I think the original neon lights/letters were smaller. I do think the lights there today were replaced pre-1974 fire/closing, though. Also, here's a link to a wonderful article by William Gottlieb with a bit of history surrounding the famous picture taken outside of Minton's. I believe this originally appeared in Down Beat around 1947: Visit My Website Here's another Gottlieb pic from that day - note the mural in the background is different and the picture is dated Sept 1947...that's Howard McGhee leaning over the piano. There are more pictures at that site from that day in 1947. Lots of Minton's history out there! Marla Marla

Here is William Gottlieb's wonderful photo outside of Minton's (maybe 1947) with Monk, Howard McGhee, Roy Eldridge, Teddy Hill. The outside looks similar, although there is no longer an awning and a handicap access ramp has replaced the stairs. Also, I believe the neon sign you see in the picture jazzshrink posted above is not the original and I think the original neon lights/letters were smaller. I do think the lights there today were replaced pre-1974 fire/closing, though. Marla

You are welcome. Yes, in fact, when I called the Hotel Cecil to ask if I could take a look inside Minton's (around 2001), at first, the folks I spoke with were less than nice. Apparently, lots of sneaky developers were looking at the Hotel Cecil/Minton's as a possible purchase propery and perhaps wanted to tear it down/build something new. Fortunately, that did not happen. Marla

Being a regular NYT reader, I knew that Minton's had been re-born, but its very nice for you to share such terrific photos. The mural is nice, and if I remember correctly, it required a significant amount of work to make it presentable after many, many years of neglect. Minton's has survived at least 2 fires. One had to have been pre-1948, as the mural in Minton's today replaced another mural that was damaged due to fire. Artist Charles Graham signed the mural there today and also wrote the year, 1948 under his name. Then, sometime in the 70's (maybe right before the closing in 1974?) there was yet another fire. This time, the mural was restored. I was up close and it looks great for a mural that is 1 year shy of 60 years old! I can certainly understand why folks would think Minton's no longer existed since its doors had been closed for so long. I did enough research on line and walked past the exterior about 6 years ago, so I knew that at least the Minton's outside neon lights/sign was still there. Also, there is what I believe to be an American Masters/PBS documentary on Monk and a great deal of it was done inside Minton's, showing the inside to be basically a shell - stripped down walls, messed up wainscotting (from the looks of the wainscotting in the video, was probably somewhat fancy, no tables or chairs or bar. The documentary folks had moved a gorgeous piano into Minton's (nothing else there except the piano and the mural) and interviewed both Randy Weston and Barry Harris from within Minton's.. I can't put my hands on the video, but I'd say it was done in the 1980s or maybe early 1990s?

Because I'm Minton's-obsessed, having recently visited this historic jazz club for the first time, this is my current desktop background/wallpaper: Marla

Thank you. Happy to share! Marla

I think you are correct. Henry Minton hired Teddy Hill to manage the club and I think the musicians were provided food only and from what I've read, the food was killin'! I treasure the Jerry Newman recordings of Charlie Christian at Minton's, as well as the Blue Note release, "Up at Minton's" recorded live at Minton's by Stanley Turrentine. Also, the Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis/Johnny Griffin recordings at Minton's. Flickr.com has some pics posted from opening night at Minton's a couple of years ago and the place is packed, with most folks standing. You are right...not a lotta seats. Thanks for your comments.

Hi All, I finally realized a dream of mine and visited Minton's Playhouse this past weekend. I've shared my few pictures with some friends and at another bulletin board and thought there might be some interest here. Minton's closed in 1974 and reopened within the last couple of years. I believe the basic structure is exactly the same, though my very reliable sources (including the bartender at Minton's) said the bar used to be on the wall opposite where it is now. The bandstand is still in the same place - under the famous Charles Graham mural (1948). So, here's my few pictures of Minton's and one of the Hotel Cecil (Minton's is part of the Hotel Cecil). Note: The Cecil is now a single room occupancy residence/home. Both Minton's and the Cecil are Historic National Landmarks and can't be "messed with." ;-) I visited Minton's around 4 p.m. and the place was basically empty; music doesn't start until 9 p.m. The bartender was gracious and even turned on the lights above the bandstand so my pictures would come out better - that's me on the piano bench. By the way, the piano was donated by the Jazz Foundation of America. They received the piano from the great pianist, Chris Anderson. Here's a picture of the full mural/bandstand: I took this picture while standing on the bandstand; gives you an idea of how small/narrow Minton's is/was: Last, a picture of the Hotel Cecil's sign (with the 118th/St. Nicholas Ave street sign, too): If anyone here has any Minton's stories, please share. Thanks, Marla

I believe the DVD contains video of Roy at one of Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights in Jazz concerts - tribute to Bird perhaps? Marla

Just finished reading the McBride interview myself and thoroughly enjoyed. Glad Roy is getting the well-deserved attention. There are also some great John Abbott photographs in a separate article on Sonny Rollins' recent Carnegie Hall concert (story is basically Abbott's photos, with many candid shots). Marla

I'm glad Tom M mention Andy Fusco. I had the good fortune to hear him many times with Buddy Rich's band. I think if you go to the Kean University website, I believe there is still a concert in MP3 format from several years ago - Andy, Joe Farnsworth, Tardo Hammer, Scott Wenholdt, Doug Weiss. Here's the web address: http://www.kean.edu/~kuradio/music.html I don't think he was mentioned, but one of my all-time favorites was/is Jimmy Mosher from Chelsea, MA. He played lead alto with Buddy Rich's band and also played in Woody's band, as well as teaching at Berklee. Sadly, he passed away. There's an out of print LP with Jimmy as leader titled "A Chick from Chelsea," featuring Tom Ranier, Joel DiBartolo and Peter Donald: Jimmy is also featured on pianist Bert Seager's CD, "Time to Burn." I think this is still available for purchase. Marla

They are all great and a lot of care was put into the release and the more we buy 'em, the easier it might be for Jazz Icons to release a series 3! I'm going to purchase a few singles as Christmas/holiday gifts this year. Marla

Hey Tom, Happiest of birthdays to you and a huge thank you for all of the stunning jazz photography. Marla

Fabio, Certainly, everyone is free to do what he/she wants with regards to your collection. I was just stating my preference not to purchase - from you or anyone else - either TV broadcasts or already released DVDS/videos available for purchase as copies of same. I do purchase a great deal of authorized/released DVDS such as those currently available from Jazz Icons, LaserSwing Productions, others. Marla

Yes, he sells these and no, I did not and would not purchase. Marla

Hi All, There will be a celebration of the late Herb Pomeroy's life today, September 9, at Emmanuel Church at 15 Newbury Street in Boston, starting at 3 p.m. All are welcome and many of Boston's great jazz artists and others will be performing and/or speaking to honor Herb Pomeroy. Here's the website for the church: Visit My Website Marla

Visit My Website Vocalist Carol Sloane's blog. Some very interesting stories - Lenny Bruce, Jimmy Rowles, Carmen McRae, others. Carol is a great writer and I think you'd enjoy the read. Marla

"Live at Birdland" - I've had that on LP forever. Actually, 2 very scratched copies. So, was I glad when it was offered up (with add'l cuts) on itunes. It is also now available on CD at the Mosaic Records website. Only drag is they didn't seem to improve upon the sound very much. Maybe it is harder to improve sound on a live recording? At any rate, the band is burnin' and I love all the little side comments - at one point during "One O'Clock Jump" you hear someone say, "Sass, Baby" and you know Sarah Vaughan walked in ;-). Also, credit due to the band in the late 60's/early 70's when drummer Harold Jones propelled the band, along with Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Grey. I guess you could say any and all Basie aggregations have merit. Marla

I'll be very interested to hear the about the cost of this book. Many years ago, the book "To Bird With Love" was sold at a hefty price and now it is basically unavailable. That being said, I might have to get this one if JALC ever releases it. Thanks for the heads up regarding the website - I've spent hours already just drooling over the photos. I love the ones where Bird and Sarah Vaughan seem to be doing a personal appearance at a record store, signing autographs right on their recordings! Marla

Pianist/Vocalist, Patti Wicks. Visit My Website Residing in Florida, but back in the 70's, she frequently performed with bassist Sam Jones, others and performed at Gregory's and other restaurants/jazz club in and around NYC. Marla

This is certainly a very sad time. Herb was a giant as a musican and educator and one of the nicest, kindest guys out there. A wonderful man and I know his passing has and will affect many, as he was highly respected and much loved. Marla

Hi Kevin, Happy birthday from the south shore of MA! Marla

And me, too! It is a beauty, with Griffin and A.T. playing off each other. A great representation of both. I believe the date on my copy is 1971/France. My copy is in very good shape, but I still hope someday this one is released by Peck/Jazz Icons. It is my hope that somehow, schools and colleges/universities have budget to purchase a set of both Jazz Icons series for their libraries. Marla

The Coltrane/Getz 1960 Dusseldorf is, for me, the biggest treat of the box set. This 1960 JATP video has been floating around the world (very few copies until recent showings on youtube) for quite sometime. The Jazz Icons release will feature the ballad medley set, too, which is killin'. Getz and Coltrane really shine on this one and it is a huge treat to see/hear Paul Chambers and Wynton Kelly, too. I couldn't stop smiling last night when I received the announcement email from David Peck/Jazz Icons. Other than that, I'm very much looking forward to the Dexter Gordon set with Kenny Drew and especially A.T. on drums - rare to find any video with Art Taylor. Also, the Wes, Vaughan, Mingus and Ellington stuff looks great - count me in for a purchase of the entire box set in September. Jazz Icons prides itself on releasing video which has rarely or never been viewed before. Marla

Christiern, That picture speaks volumes! I love it and thanks. Any idea as to the photographer? Marla