Remembering Jerome Richardson

On Christmas Day Jerome Richardson would have been 100 years old had he not died on June 23, 2000. Although the multi-reeds player only made 5 albums as a leader he appeared on at least 136 as a sideman (probably many more) with some of the biggest names in the business.

To the best of my knowledge I never heard him live but, fortunately I've got a few of those 136 albums to remember him by.

Mingus' Black Saint and Sinner Lady has him blowing baritone, flute and soprano rising above the dark and sombre settings.

The Thad Jones - Mel Lewis Orchestra's Consummation features Jerome on alto, soprano and flute once again proving his standing in reed circles.

Jobim's album Wave has Jerome playing flute like a native of Brasilia and although it's jazz content may be limited the flute playing is top notch.

There were other recordings with Mingus, he was first call with Quincy Jones and many more yet, as far as I know, he never won a DownBeat poll on any of his instruments.

Nevertheless, he was much more than a musical gunslinger and 136 albums would have been the poorer without him.

Lance