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Gustavo (not verified) Sat, 04/04/2009 - 12:31

Gary,

Thank you so much for this priceless piece of history!

Your recording of Red’s “Dance of the Octopus” and “Hole In The Wall,” accompanied by Makoto Ozone are two jewels.

Gustavo

Marie-Noëlle Sat, 04/04/2009 - 13:09

In reply to by Gustavo (not verified)

The word is perfect Gustavo: priceless!
Thank you Gary... once more!
:o)
MN

ed saindon Sat, 04/04/2009 - 15:37

Gary,

Like Gustavo said, this is priceless. The post and the playing is as Herb would say, "sterling". I know this takes time to write. Heartfelt thanks from all of us here for taking the time to do that. I wish all of this information would be documented in a book. Maybe not another book on touring, but an autobiography at some point would be great.

Ed
----------------------
Ed Saindon
http://www.edsaindon.com
Check out my cds: http://micelimusic.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=24_4

James Sat, 04/04/2009 - 16:29

In reply to by ed saindon

At this rate, I think in another couple of weeks Gary will only need to copy and paste his posts from here and the book will be ready!

James

tonymiceli Sat, 04/04/2009 - 22:18

In reply to by ed saindon

right here. and what's cool and even better than a book is that all your supporting comments are part of this as well. so it just builds and grows.

that's amazing huh? and it's amazing that gary wants to share like this. wow.

------------------------
Tony Miceli
s k y p e: tjazzvibe
i c h a t: tonymiceli
tony@tonymiceli.com
www.facebook.com/people/Tony-Miceli/604414578
www.myspace.com/tonymicelivibes

steve yeager Sat, 04/04/2009 - 19:23

what a treat to read this..it's a great piece of history illuminated first hand
thank you gary

anthonysmith Sun, 04/05/2009 - 02:37

anthonysmith

Gary, you are a very good writer. I've really been enjoying your posts and articles. After so many years in this (sometimes difficult) business, it's pretty remarkable that you still have such a passion for the instrument, the figures, and the music itself. Thanks

Randy_Sutin Sun, 04/05/2009 - 22:20

This is so wonderful. Thank you, Gary, for taking the time to put all this in one place and write such a tremendous overview of Red's contribution to our instrument.

I hope you do more, perhaps one on Cal Tjader?? I love Cal's music and have, for the last year or two, had an on again/off again effort to put together sort of a Cal Tjader revival band. I must be honest, though. While I have studied a ton of his music, I know only a few details of his life. I would love to read your offering about him as well.

thank you once again.
Peace
randy

Joe Locke Wed, 04/08/2009 - 10:44

Thank you for this piece on Red Norvo,Gary.I must admit that my knowledge of Red Norvo is quite limited. This piece fills in so many holes for me - and not just about Red, but about Mingus and Tal Farlow too.

David Friedman Wed, 04/08/2009 - 17:59

Shortly before Red passed Dave Samuels and I were playing in LA and went to visit him. He was in a wheelchair and had two nurses taking care of him. He was thrilled that we came by; He played some of his old records for us, shared some priceless anecdotes and then asked us if we'd play something for him. He had a small marimba and vibe and we played a couple of our duo pieces for him, He sat there listening with tears in his eyes. It was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had. Both Dave and I were emotionally drained when we left. We both knew we'd never see Red again...He was a beautiful, warm human being and a rare musician. I still often watch the video where he's playing with Benny Goodman and love playing it for students and musician friends. It's a knock out. There's also a wonderful video with him and Dinah Shore that everyone should check out. He plays unbelievably and the arrangement is fantastic. Totally timeless. I think the tune is "I can't believe that you're in love with me". Check it out, you'll all love it!

Steve Shapiro Thu, 04/09/2009 - 00:27

In reply to by David Friedman

David,

That's a great story. It's wonderful to hear these kinds of comments from you and Gary on what Red was like as a person. I had no idea, and it makes me think of him in a whole new light.

Steve

www.vibraphonic.com

steve yeager Thu, 04/09/2009 - 20:28

In reply to by Steve Shapiro

oh man that is a great story david, - they call this the web - and this thread is another great example of just connecting a lot of history of great players gone, by all of you

Marie-Noëlle Thu, 04/09/2009 - 04:05

In reply to by David Friedman

This is a great story. Thanks for sharing it. It's the right place to do it, indeed.

Red Norvo surely didn't receive the tribute he deserved when alive... but some great artists got their fair reward and right respect after they are gone.

I'm so glad this place makes it happen... and by such valuable witnesses as the three of you.

And... who knows,... what if he was somewhere above swinging with Bags and Hamp, and reading your lines?

:o)

MN

bob leatherbarrow Wed, 04/08/2009 - 18:50

Gary and everybody, thanks for this amazing stuff on Red Norvo. wow.

By the way guys, the Red Norvo Trio recordings did come out on CD, I have them. The title is "The Red Norvo Trio with Tal Farlow and Charles Mingus - The Savoy Sessions". It's on the Savoy label and came out through Denon, #SV-0267. Red is killin' on this stuff, and you can really hear how he came from the xylophone too. Check it out if you can find it.

-- Bob L.

A wonderful article by Gary Burton all about Red Norvo - Tony Miceli