Big Jay McNeely- full concert, 2012

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoXhUWMYwYs

i saw him once, 15 yrs ago- he is still rockin' it hardcore. seems he only plays in europe now, would love to see him again, wish he would do a club tour or something like that

[robertoart]

He played here in Australia a few months ago. I went. It was good. I saw him 20 years ago as well. I liked that better. Back then he played with an R&B band. The band backing him up recently had more of a rockabilly vibe. Can't believe he's still alive, let alone still honking. Bit like Lou Donaldson in that respect I suppose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AP6QMuvPOU

[Pete C]

I'm amazed to learn that he's alive and performing. This album is amazing, though this Birdland was in Seattle.

[Adam]

I'm doing a documentary on Big Jay. Followed him on a Europe tour last summer. Need to raise money to finish it. But he's playing on a cruise this week; to Chicago next week. Been filming with him a lot, but not for a while. He just turned 85. Check out the site on the film:

www.bigjayfilm.com

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

sounds like a great project. he lives in a 1 bedroom apt in S. Los Angeles? would love to see him up here in seattle

i read your synopsis, it sonuds very sad, Big Jay continues to work very hard. we love you Big Jay!!!

Edited May 19, 2012 by chewy

[Big Beat Steve]

Saw him twice live on stage here in Germany in the late 90s and it was a GAS! Pleased to see that he is still kicking it up (small surprise, as his name appears on European concert/festival flyers every now and then. Unfortunately making it to that 2012 Rockin Race festival where the above clip came from was ut of the question for me).

This album is amazing, though this Birdland was in Seattle.

Actually, while it isn't bad I'd call it one of his more "run of the mill" stuff. By the time these tracks were recorded he had settled into a formula - sort of.

I find his early 50s recordings (as reissued on Jonas Bernholm's labels such as Saxophonograph etc.) have quite a bit more punch and condensed immediacy.