Joe McPhee

[Steve Reynolds]

To one of the greats that still walks this earth. A fine gentleman to boot - it was always great to see him support the NYC music as I would often see him in the audience for local shows - we would take the train from Poughkeepsie and take it home the same night. A master of three saxophones and of course his pocket trumpet.

here’s hoping for a post-Covid world that has Joe McPhee back playing in those small rooms he’s traveled the world to play in for the last few decades.

his latest recorded shows/studio sessions over the past 5-10 years reveal a master still at the peak of his powers.

 

[clifford_thornton]

Absolutely. He turns 81 today, too.

[colinmce]

Listened to Nation Time and Tenor/Fallen Angels so far this morning and see no reason not to keep going! Also read this excellent piece that just came out:

https://realdemocracymovement.org/exciting-times-dangerous-times/

[clifford_thornton]

great article.

[mjazzg]

One of my absolute favourite musicians.

Steve, I think your appreciation is spot on. 

Just received my copy of 'Of Things Beyond Thule, vol.1' a testament to his current stature.

[OliverM]

Thank you for the great article! Those memoirs to come will be something. Happy birthday!

[Rabshakeh]

I was asked for a post 80s McPhee recommendation by a friend today, who loves Nation Time, and who had come with me to see him play semi-recently off the back of that record and enjoyed the gig. The friend is a jazz fan but chary of the more abrasive stuff typically. 

I can think of around ten recommendations, but doubt there's that bandwidth in practice.

I'd be interested to know which album (one album only) people would recommend. 

[Steve Reynolds]

6 hours ago, Steve Reynolds said:

To one of the greats that still walks this earth. A fine gentleman to boot - it was always great to see him support the NYC music as I would often see him in the audience for local shows - we would take the train from Poughkeepsie and take it home the same night. A master of three saxophones and of course his pocket trumpet.

here’s hoping for a post-Covid world that has Joe McPhee back playing in those small rooms he’s traveled the world to play in for the last few decades.

his latest recorded shows/studio sessions over the past 5-10 years reveal a master still at the peak of his powers.

 

Sorry I gave Joe an extra year. I knew he was born in 1939 - my math was off - hoping a moderator can fix to show 81 years old today instead of 82:)

[colinmce]

4 hours ago, Rabshakeh said:

I was asked for a post 80s McPhee recommendation by a friend today, who loves Nation Time, and who had come with me to see him play semi-recently off the back of that record and enjoyed the gig. The friend is a jazz fan but chary of the more abrasive stuff typically. 

I can think of around ten recommendations, but doubt there's that bandwidth in practice.

I'd be interested to know which album (one album only) people would recommend. 

Oleo without a doubt!

[Д.Д.]

14 hours ago, mjazzg said:

One of my absolute favourite musicians.

Mine too. My go-to McPhee recommendation is "Grand Marquis", a tenor duo with drummer John McLellan, on Boxholder.  

[Justin V]

I hope that he had a happy birthday.  He is a remarkable musician.