Jim Hall by Maurice Summerfield

Jim Hall has always been one of my favourite jazz musicians – right from when in 1957 I first bought his LP ‘Jazz Guitar – Jim Hall Trio’ with pianist Carl Perkins and Red Mitchell on bass. I also loved his particpation with various Chico Hamilton groups. Chico sadly of course also died a few days ago. I now have that historic LP recording on CD (Gambit 69259 and Avid AMSC1033) – and I still listen to it very, very often. I have dozens of Jim’s recordings as leader, in a duo with Bill Evans, with the Jimmy Giuffre Trio and in marvellous groups led by Paul Desmond, Art Farmer, Sonny Rollins and other jazz greats.  He was often referred to as the ‘Poet of Jazz Guitar’ – and this I believe he was. The epitome of musical taste – and a true innovator.

I was fortunate to spend a week with Jim at the 1989 Midnight Sun Guitar Festival in Ikaalinen, Finland. He was a man of deep intellect, quiet personality and good company. I just received a few weeks ago his new marvellous 3-CD set from his Artist Share Records company – ‘Jim Hall Live – Vols 2 - 4 Toronto 1975’. A wonderful testament to Jim’s genius. Jim Hall was truly a jazz giant..

Maurice Summerfield.

Photo:Maurice with Jim Hall in Ikaalinen, Finland June 1989.
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