Reflections and Relics on a Path to Jazz

In 1984 I made my debut jazz appearance in New York with some of the finest musicians to be found. This clip, “On A Clear Day,” is a song from that performance. I recently discovered the original cassette tape of a vintage recording of that event made by the Rev. Clinton Glen, founder of the long-running top-shelf jazz concert series known as the Presbyterian Jazz Society Second Sunday Jazz, held at the historic First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, New York.

I’m delighted to know that the concert was documented because among the artists who played with me on that most memorable occasion was the late Dennis Irwin. Dennis eventually lost his battle with spinal cancer in March 2008 but not before he left his mark and enormous legacy as one of the great bass players of his era. Another luminary also played on this date with me – the late Chris Woods, an incredible alto saxophonist who was a featured player and arranger with Count Basie’s band at the time. May these incredible gentlemen and artists always be remembered. Rounding out my group that night were my long-time collaborator Ernie Hayes on piano, drummer Phil Young, formerly of the Bobbie Blue Bland band, and Valery Ponomerov, trumpet protege of the legendary Art Blakey Jazz Messengers. And, of course, yours truly on vocals.

The tape is unmixed but has held up remarkably well. I hope you enjoy and experience a small sample of the music and enthusiasm we generated and were inspired by that evening.

It’s only fitting that I pay homage to the versatile pianist Ernie Hayes, who was very important to my music endeavors. He became a mentor and helped me develop as an artist. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of Ernie to post. These days, due to illness, Ernie is no longer performing, but any New York music enthusiast who knows the music scene in the Big Apple can attest to his greatness.

Ernie is heard on “On A Clear Day” and on other live performance tracks and later would accompany me on numerous engagements. I first heard Ernie play when he was pianist in tenor sax great Eddie Chamblee’s quintet. They appeared every Saturday afternoon at Sweet Basil’s in the West Village. Ernie is also the pianist on singer Leon Thomas’s All Blues album.

To recount in detail every session that Ernie Hayes played in, with countless musicians, over the next four decades would most likely force a library shelf to sag! According to music critic Eugene Chadbourne’s discographical sources, he played on over 200 recording sessions, including with James Brown, Nina Simone, Mickey & Sylvia, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Ian & Sylvia, and Sam Cooke.

Ernie was also known to have a hand in arrangements, sometimes formally and sometimes informally, in well-worn rhythm section relationships that relied more on spontaneous setups. As a composer, Hayes had a Latin touch and seemed to enjoy Spanish titles, including the dark, scenty “Flores de Noche” and the moving “Vaya,” both of which were recorded by bandleader Ray Barretto.

On the release of my third album, Bossa, Blues & Ballads, in 2018, I paused to reflect on the many incredible artists/musicians with whom I’ve been privileged to perform and record. This year, 2020, several have passed on due to Covid 19, including pianist Mike Longo, and bassist Alex Layne. I am grateful for all of these musicians and the many others whose musical legacies live on.