Billy Harper; Eddie Henderson; Jaleel Shaw; David Weiss; George Cables; Cecil McBee; Billy Hart in conversation with Kevin LeGendre.
This was an absolute gem of an afternoon listening to seven living legends - and I'm not using the expression lightly - talking about their careers and their association with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Most, with the probable exception of drummer Billy Hart, had played with the Messengers and all had fascinating stories to tell.
This magnificent seven comprise the line-up of The Cookers who play Hall Two this Afternoon (2pm). The name, The Cookers was inspired by the 2 CD Blue Note set The Night of the Cookers by Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan recorded live at a club in Brooklyn in 1965.
Such was Eddie Henderson's descriptive powers (he had a front row table on that memorable night) you felt you were there too!
Even though this afternoon's session overran by half an hour it still wasn't long enough. I'd have loved to be able to talk to George Cables about his association with Art Pepper or Billy Harper on playing with Thad Jones/Mel Lewis - his extended solo on Fingers from that band's album Consummation is about as good a big band tenor blast as you'll ever hear and that includes Gonsalves at Newport in 1956.
But time caught up and Kevin Legendre, who'd chaired the discussion admirably - albeit somewhat under-miked - reluctantly called time gentlemen please.
It certainly whetted my appetite for today's Afternoon of The Cookers! *
Lance.
*The Cookers, Hall Two - 2pm today (April 12)
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