Youtube Video, solo sax, Amazing Grace: Keep hope during COVID


 

I've been blessed to meet, perform with, hang with some of the greatest musicians in the world. When I was young at University of Pittsburgh in the early 80's I just dreamed of maybe doing a few nice gigs.  Well, as March and April this year started kicking in, and we started to lose so many great musicians, some COVID related, others not, it caused me great pause.   I found this solo sax track that I recorded in 2008, and put these photos in it as a tribute to some of the heroes of mine that I have met.  

I have on the thumbnail, the legendary Benny Golson.  I first met Benny years ago while playing with Lionel Hampton, and over the years, he has been one of the  kindest mentors.  Along with cats like Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Frank Foster, Charli Persip, all the cats, share their knowledge, encouragement and life with us.  This video is dedicated to them, those living and those not with us anymore.  I recorded Amazing Grace, because it was one my grandmother and mother's favorite hymnals.  

 (recorded 2008 Never released)... All of the people in these photos are my heroes. Music masters and all were so kind and generous. True artists. Each one had some childhood music memory for me, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Maceo, David Sanborn! Nicest cat and I tried once to sound just like him. Paquito! I heard him with Irakere and clarinet doing the Mozart concerto! Kirk Whalum, his playing brings tears. The ones who are gone Freddie Hubbard, Phil Woods, Kenny Burrell, Bucky Pizzarelli, Snooky Young, Billy Taylor, Frank Foster, Ed Shaughnessy. On and on. They brought us joy. Many didn’t have a lot of financial reward. They shared their hearts with us, every person I met, I could think of a song they played that touched my heart. That’s why I was thrilled. Musicians give their soul to us it takes a lot of work and spiritual energy to deliver. Through these times the music will reminds us of our real beauty.

During this time of COVID-19, let's send love and hope to our medical workers, leaders, family and friends. 

We will get through this. Remembering those we have lost already.

God Bless 

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