Trumpet player, Bandleader, Arranger and Composer Gerald Wilson died yesterday, September 8. One of the all-time arranging greats, his charts featured in the pads of many of the great big bands - Lunceford, Hampton, Gillespie, Basie and, of course, his own band.
Listening to his 2003 release New York New Sound I was impressed, not just by the music which is tremendous, but comments made by other musicians on the date.
Jon Faddis summed up the session and the man: "Recording with Gerald Wilson was a dream come true. Gerald epitomises the absolute best in jazz, with grace, wisdom and elegance."
Grace, wisdom and elegance says it all.
Gerald Wilson was 96. RIP.
Obituary.Lance.
PS: Thanks to Peter Bevan for bringing this sad news to my attention.
Sad to hear of the death of Gerald Wilson. I've met Gerald on a few occasions at the LA jazz festival, the last time was May this year. My seat for the concert was next to Howard Ramsey he is 94 years old but great company. Just before Gerald's band was due to perform he joined Howard and me to talk about the old days!!!! I felt like a teenager among elder statesmen. Gerald had to be carried on stage and then turned to face the band. The band was hot that day, the best concert of the festival and my nomination for gig of the year.
ReplyDeleteGerald you will be sadly missed.