![]() Of course, there are obvious physical attributes which he possesses. With other drummers, it seems easier to say that so and so evolved from this or that major voice on the instrument, or is linked to a particular stylistic period. It is equally difficult to pinpoint antecedents to his concepts. ![]() In general, the way Jones plays seems to be beyond analysis. When drummers describe Elvin Jones’s style, as they admit, words fall short. It’s fantastic that it was captured tape. The energy and enthusiasm of a working band consisting of three young musicians with one of the greatest masters of all time was for all of us a once in a lifetime event that we will never forget. The Live at the Lighthouse date was one of the most exciting nights of my musical life. Recorded on Elvin Jones’s 45 th birthday at the end of a three week engagement at this famous club on Hermosa Beach near Los Angeles, Live at the Lighthouse captures a good night, representative of the repertoire as well as intensity which we attained. The truth is obvious in the music - each of us was doing what we loved, accompanied by three other brothers with whom we probably would’ve gone down in a sinking ship if necessary! It was and remains a special period for me. ![]() What is represented here are two of the early post-Coltrane generation saxophonists spewing out that vocabulary virtually uncensored with a giant green light of approval and support given from the Man himself along with a bassist who loved his role. One only has to look at the expression on his face, the sheer joy and light he spreads with that famous grin of his to realize that this is one very special human being with a power that reaches far beyond the music itself.Īs I wrote in the original liner notes for the 1990 re-release of all the evening’s music, this live recording still is discussed among musicians, especially saxophonists, to this day. How is it that Elvin Jones can play just quarter notes on the whole drum set with both hands and feet in unison as he might do at times for several choruses and light up the stage and entire audience? Even the casual listener is drawn into his vortex and aura. Not to mention that he is probably playing on more than a few of anyone’s “desert island” list of indispensable recordings. In fact, when musicians speak about Elvin Jones, it seems the rhetoric elevates to another level of awe and respect. Some of the words one might use to describe him are joy, strength, intensity, focus, commitment and love. Obviously this is for musical reasons, but I think it is equally about charisma, an undeniable presence that Elvin Jones has brought to the music. I would venture to say that most jazz musicians of a certain generation would place Elvin Jones among their favorite all-time artists.
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