Well, this one came out of left field!
Geoff's brother Graham was playing drums in a function band I was fronting back in 1899 (ish!) and Geoff was starting to frighten me with his tenor playing! He eventually took over my second tenor chair in the Newcastle Big Band when I decided to concentrate on the function band (I think we called them Dance Bands in those days).
Nevertheless, we hung out in the Kelly pub in Hebburn most Wednesday afternoons along with his brother Graham, Charlie Carmichael, Bill Shaw and any other passing musical imbibers. A record session invariably followed, my wife sweeping out the dead bodies - ah happy days!
Graham went to sea and eventually ended up in Devon, Bill remained in Pelaw and I, in Hebburn. Geoff headed west and now lives in Maryland.
So it was with great delight that I read the following:
Hi Lance,
It’s been a while, I hope you are Tip Top. Since we last conversed the sax has been in and out of the box a couple of times. I’d like to say it is now out for good – but we’ll see. I’ve been practicing like mad for about 9 months now and I’m actually blowing reasonably well. I thought you might be interested in an old (1960) interview with Tubby Hayes (probably my favorite tenor player when we used to hang out at the Kelly). I hope you can get this Youtube clip, (title and URL below) Tubby makes a most prophetic statement about John Coltrane and Giant Steps at 4 mins 35 sec.
Tubby Hayes Interview Circa 1960 (Part Two) @ 4 mins 35 secs
Speaking of Giant Steps, check out this cool video: Watch this Colorful Animated 'Giant Steps' Video! I think you might like it.
I’m sure your aware of this page on the “Sting” web page,
(http://www.sting.com/discography/album/317/Albums) - a nice acknowledgment of his formative years.
Keep up the good work and keep well.
Geoff.
Geoff.
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