RIP Jon Hendricks - a vocal icon, very sadly missed.

(Lance remembers)
I remember Jon Hendricks, as I'm sure everyone of a certain age does, from that first multi dubbed Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross' Basie songbook album. LHR was quite an amazing vocal group - I'd never heard anything quite like it - still haven't. Oh, wait a minute, yes I have. 

It was later that same year that I first heard Beethoven's Ninth aka The Choral Symphony. I was with my parents at one of their friends' houses for a 'musical evening' and a new recording of it was being played. When I was asked what I thought of it, I remarked that it reminded me, in places, of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. As I was the only one in the room who'd heard of the greatest vocal trio ever, a hushed silence fell and they quickly moved on to something else. Back home, my mother said, "Lambert, Hendricks and Ross indeed! Sounds like a law firm" and I was packed off to bed without any supper (I made that last bit up!)

I saw the group several times, usually with the Basie Band and never failed to be knocked out by them.

My favourite album though is a solo album that Hendricks recorded with the Adderleys and the Montgomery Brothers - A Good Git-Together. This was recorded in 1959 although it was almost 50 years later before I heard it. Sitting in The Spice of Life, awaiting the evening's performance to begin, over the sound system came Social Call. Paul Pace informed me that it was Jon Hendricks and he gave me the album details. The following day, I set off home, regretting that I hadn't had time to nip into one of the London stores to buy the album. By the time I reached Newcastle it had become a must-have obsession so, instead of jumping on the Metro I called in at my old place of employment, J.G.Windows in the Central Arcade and there it was, accurately filed under 'H' in the Jazz section.

Needless to say, after purchase, I exchanged pleasantries with the staff thus making my search for Social Call an actual social call.

For a proper obituary on Jon Hendricks who passed away yesterday (November 22) aged 96, follow the link below.

Lance.

Washington Post Obituary.