The Legendary NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath "I WALKED WITH GIANTS" Available in Book Stores & Online. Order your copy Today!

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“All I can say is, if you know Jimmy Heath, you know Bop.”~~~Dizzy Gillespie

“Trane was always high on Jimmy’s playing and so was I. Plus, he was a very hip dude to be with, funny and clean and very intelligent. Jimmy is one of the thoroughbreds.” — Miles Davis

 

 

 

 

GVJ and Jimmy Heath @ Kennedy Center "Tribute to Ella"

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Jimmy Heath and Joseph McLaren, foreword by Bill Cosby, introduction by Wynton Marsalis "I have long admired Jimmy's passion heard so clearly in his music; he is a soulful musician and a consummate educator. In these pages he gives a new voice to his love of life and music. He once told Dr. Camille Cosby that ‘our history is a mystery,’ so here he pulls back the veil and sets forth a wonderful collection of reminiscences culled from a long life of accumulated wisdom."

—Nancy Wilson, song stylist

Composer of more than 100 jazz pieces, three-time Grammy nominee, and performer on more than 125 albums, saxophonist Jimmy Heath has earned a place of honor in the history of jazz. Over his long career, Heath knew many jazz giants, such as Charlie Parker, and played with other innovators, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and especially Dizzy Gillespie. Along the way, Heath won both their respect and their friendship. In this extraordinary autobiography, the legendary Heath creates a “dialogue” with musicians and family members. As in jazz, where improvisation by one performer prompts another to riff on the same theme, I Walked with Giants juxtaposes Heath’s account of his life and career with recollections from jazz giants about life on the road and making music on the world’s stages. His memories of playing with his equally legendary brothers, Percy and Albert (aka “Tootie”), dovetail with their recollections. Heath reminisces about a South Philadelphia home filled with music and a close-knit family that hosted musicians performing in the city’s then thriving jazz scene. Milt Jackson recalls, “I went to their house for dinner. . . . Jimmy’s father put Charlie Parker records on and told everybody that we had to be quiet till dinner because he had Bird on. . . . When I [went] to Philly, I’d always go to their house.” Today Heath performs, composes, and works as a music educator and arranger. By turns funny, poignant, and extremely candid, Heath’s story captures the rhythms of a life in jazz.

 

For over 60 years, the legendary Heath Brothers have been synonymous with great jazz. Endurance is their first CD since the passing of their beloved brother, legendary bassist Percy Heath. “The Philly dynasty [of the Heath Brothers] is what you want to hear—family values with fire, yet cooler than cool.” — Village Voice “The Heaths of Philadelphia are true jazz blue-bloods, [but] it’s when these elder statesmen get together that they become rambunctious, playful kids, making mischief in bebop’s backyard.” — Newsday “Keeping the swing faith with a time-honored groove.” — Chicago Tribune “One looks for good news anywhere lately, and the bass and drum-playing Heath Brothers alone—with cleanly articulated, deep, rich bass notes and an easy, funky swing—can supply it.” — Ben Ratliff, New York Times

JAZZLEGACYPRODUCTIONS.COM

 

 

National Endowment for the Arts Announces the 2010 NEA Jazz Masters

 

 

2010 NEA Jazz Masters photo by Frank Stewart Chairman Rocco Landesman, Yusef Lateef, Cedar Walton, George Avakian, Muhal Richard Abrams, Bill Holman, Kenny Barron, Annie Ross, Bobby Hutcherson

 

 photo by Frank Stewart 1st row: George Avakian, James Moody, Gerald Wilson, Candido Camero, Frank Foster, Jimmy Heath, Joe Wilder, Chico Hamilton, Roy Haynes 2nd row: Cedar Walton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Muhal Richard Abrams, Billy Taylor, Kenny Barron, Ramsey Lewis, George Wein, Tom McIntosh, Frank Wess, Annie Ross 3rd row: Gunther Schuller, Yusef Lateff, David Baker, Dan Morgenstern, Paquito D'Rivera, Buddy De Franco, Bill Holman, Lee Konitz, Bobby Hutcherson, Jimmy Cobb, Randy Weston

 

 

Jimmy Heath w/ Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra "Gingerbread Boy" WEE-DOT Rxcerpt from BROTHERLY JAZZ - The Heath Brothers Jimmy Heath, NYPL jazz oral history Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers Heath Brothers Live @ Music Inn Rome HEATH BROTHERS Yahooo! JIMMY HEATH jazz to hip hop

 

Young Jimmy James Edward Heath (born October 25, 1926), nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath. Read more click here Wikipedia

(Percy Heath/bass

and Tootie Heath/drums),

and is the father of Mtume. He has performed with nearly all the jazz greats of the last 50 years,

from Howard McGhee,

Dizzy Gillespie,

John Coltrane

The Gingerbread Boy and Miles Davis to

Wynton Marsalis. In 1948 at the age of 21, he performed in the First International Jazz Festival in Paris with

Howard McGhee

sharing the stage with Coleman Hawkins,

Slam Stewart,

and Erroll Garner.

One of Heath’s earliest big bands (1947-1948) in Philadelphia included John Coltrane,

Benny Golson, Specs Wright,

Billy Strayhorn

 

Cal Massey

 

Johnny Coles

 

Ray Bryant,

and Nelson Boyd. Charlie Parker

and Max Roach sat in on one occasion.

During his career, Jimmy Heath has performed on more than 100 record albums including seven with The Heath Brothers and twelve as a leader. Jimmy has also written more than 125 compositions,

many of which have become jazz standards and have been recorded by other artists including

Art Farmer,

Cannonball Adderley

Clark Terry, Chet Baker,

Jimmy Heath, Milton Jackson, Benny Powell, Joe Newman

Miles Davis,

James Moody,

Milt Jackson,

Ahmad Jamal,

Ray Charles,

Dizzy Gillespie

J.J Johnson and

Dexter Gordon. Jimmy has also composed extended works - seven suites and two string quartets - and he premiered his first symphonic work, “Three Ears,”

in 1988 at Queens College (CUNY) with Maurice Peress conducting.

After having just concluded eleven years as Professor of Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Heath maintains an extensive performance schedule and continues to conduct workshops and clinics throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada.

He has also taught jazz studies at Jazzmobile,

and The New School for Social Research.

In October 1997, two of his former students, trumpeters Darren Barrett and

Diego Urcola, placed first and second in the

 Heath’s enduring dedication to jazz as well as his musicianship prompted the following tributes:

 

“All I can say is, if you know Jimmy Heath, you know Bop.” — Dizzy Gillespie

 

“Trane was always high on Jimmy’s playing and so was I. Plus, he was a very hip dude to be with, funny and clean and very intelligent. Jimmy is one of the thoroughbreds.” — Miles Davis

“My pick from the world’s talent would be Diz as leader, John Lewis or Hank Jones on piano, Ray Brown bass, Milt Jackson vibes, Jimmy Heath tenor, and Sonny Stitt alto.” — Kenny Clarke

“I had met Jimmy Heath, who - besides being a wonderful saxophonist - understood a lot about musical construction. I joined his group in Philadelphia in 1948. We were very much alike in our feeling, phrasing and a whole lot of other ways. Our musical appetites were the same. We used to practice together, and he would write out some of the things we were interested in. We would take things from records and digest them. In this way, we learned about the techniques being used by writers and arrangers.” — John Coltrane, Downbeat, 1960 CLICK FOR CAREER HIGHLIGHTSDISCOGRAPHY ARRANGEMENTS PHOTO GALLERY Read More... Look Inside This Book I Walked With Giants: The Autobiography Of Jimmy Heath

 

 

The Heath Brothers, James Moody Quartet featuring George V Johnson Jr, Harold Mabern, Todd Coolman & Eddie Gladden. A Live New Years Celebration Broadcast Coast to Coast 1985.

 

 

Photographer 

Bill May

 

 

Jimmy Heath  & The Jazz Scatter

Surprise guest George V Johnson Jr

"GINGERBREAD BOY"

DC Jazz Festival 2011

Bohemian Caverns

 August 3, 1985 Jazz Mobile, NYC Eddie Jefferson's Birthday

STOP! While I tell the Story about James Moody...

Opening line from the LP "The Birdland Story"

By George V Johnson Jr. May 5, 1995 I first met James Moody at a tribute to the late

Eddie Jefferson at Carnegie Hall, NYC back in 1979.

A few months early Eddie was tragically killed while leaving "Baker's Keyboard Lounge" in Detroit, Michigan.

Click to read more....

 

 

 

You can not afford to miss this Trane! Annual John Coltrane Jazz Festival

 

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[WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK]

ELLA!




Performers included Grammy winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, whose Dear Ella was praised as a loving rendition of the songstress's music; Janis Siegel of The Manhattan Transfer, whose past Kennedy Center performances have been jazz faves; and Al Jarreau, a Kennedy Center Living Jazz Legend, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, and R&B and pop crossover artist. All backed by the big sound of the Dizzy Gillespie™ All-Star Big Band with Antonio Hart, music director, and pianist Cyrus Chestnut, this is a night Ella herself would have been proud to witness..

[WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK]

Hey G - What an unbelievable honor to interview a Jazz Legend like Mr. Jimmy Heath. I must say that as a Jazz newbie, I found the repertoire of this iconic family truly astounding. Thanks for taking the time to share the richness of Jazz and the beauty of this artist with me through this GREAT STATION and without being condescending. I listened to Mr. Heath's 1972 album "Gap Sealer" and fell in love with "Angel Man"...I was hooked ! I have been searching out more and more of his works and those of his brothers, but I am extreamly partial to VINYL and as long as the penny stays balanced on the diamond tip I'm stay with it ...hahahaa!

Your Interview was a blast...this gentleman still retains his musician's "swagga". He also completely DISPELS that old myth that "..people who can't do - teach" I would listen to him teach any day of the week. I guest that the students of Berklee College Concert Jazz Orchestra, as well as those from the University of Cincinnati feel likewise. I found excerpts of his activities there a treat for my ears (and my toes).

Mr. Heath shared with you valuable memories of playing among the greats in a most whimsical yet poignant manner. Oh, to be there when he shared his horn with BIRD or played with Ella or swung with Dizzy or heard the tap of the Count's baton....wow! I read his book "I walked with Giants" w/ Joseph McClarin. I wish more parents could be as forward thinking and encouraging as his. Wow...a living room filled with aspiring musical geniuses...all with the unwavering support of encouraging parents. I wish that for all our kids, not just a lucky few. I think it would mean more to them then anyone could ever imagine.

Today just caught a brief conversation between Tavis Smiley, Cornel West & Mr. Jimmy Heath and I almost fell off my chair. Can you believe this wonderfully talented icon had those guys in stiches while quoting Rapper Ludacris...Ya gotta catch it. I was awe struck because it opened my eyes to one of the keys to his genius. Nothing is outside his grasp and he uses it all...that makes him exist OUTSIDE of TIME and I think that's essential to remaining in a creative flow

Be Blessed and Keep doin' what you were MADE to do...like the biblical servant entrusted with a number of talents, you have put yours to good use and increased their value, the MASTER is soon to return and you will have much to show Him and I know He will be well pleased. I just love the grove, appreciate the process, am challenged by its evolution and inclusive nature and continue to be in awe of its pioneers~~~Etta Kimbrough - Trenton NJ

George,

Thank you for your impressive E-mail message and the enclosed photographs. It was great meeting you and hearing you. Though you had a comforting job and an abundance of security as a conductor with The New Jersey Transit, it's obvious your heart lies within the existing realm of the music we lovingly call jazz. Few of us will ever get rich by engaging in this pursuit, but our hearts will be overrun with joy and satisfaction for having done it.

Time cannot be so cruel as to keep us apart indefinitely. So, onward and upward as we chase our dreams with a votive and determined effort, in spite of all else, with an inelluctable spirit of success concerning our proleptic tomorrows. We have no choice but to HIT IT over and over again at every opportunity as faithful visionaries letting no one or anything get in our way.

Noblesse Oblige,

Benny
Multi-talented-and internationally famous jazz legend, - a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

And I think you're kinda wonderful! May God Bless your giving heart. And thanks for all you do, not just for me, but all Jazz Musicians. All the best and Much love, Bobbi Humphrey - NYC (The first female to sign with Blue Note Records 1971)

You ARE the Man! :-) Hanging with the heavy hitters - just like yourself. I'm just glad to be in the number...knowing you! And that's the truth! :-) Hope to see you tomorrow. My daughter, Lauren is scheduled to sing "Cry Me A River" during the workshop at Duke Ellington Performing Art School conducted by Janis Segal and Roberta Gambarini. She's my girl - and an awesome talent! I have two great students who are singing as well. Keep up the great work George~~~Lori Anne Williams - Wash DC

Hey George, I've been listening to all your shows. The one with Jimmy Heath was beautiful. Keep up the great work. If you're in NYC I'm playing every Monday next month at Fat Cats and just booked a gig in Japan. Hope to see you soon. Take care~~~George Braith - Staten Island

Hey "G" I caught your radio show with Jimmy Heath yesterday, good stuff! JH and the Heath brothers are an important bridge as part of the continuing legacy of jazz into the twenty-first century. I plan to attend his book signing tomorrow.Thanks! Dennis Day - NYC

A Great interview Dad. All the young jazz musicians should listen. Thanks for turning me and my brothers on to James Moody, Lou Donaldson, Dizzy Gillespie, Pharoah Sanders and The Heath Brothers. You've instilled so much music education in us throughout our lives. It's been a joy. I love you! Your son~~~Tahir Johnson - Wash DC

Awesome! Good to read you! Have a nice day GeoJo! ~~~Benichou Benghozi Marina Rachel - Ashdod, Israel

It was good seeing you at the Tribute to Ella on Sunday Night. Not only was the show simply delightful, but it was so great seeing old friends like, DeeDee, Jimmy, & Cyrus, Thanks George for all you do to keep JAZZ in the forefront and in our hearts and souls. Have a delightful day, from Delightful Debbie DuCre'

Hi George, I saw you at the Kennedy Center on Sunday, but could not get your attention. It really was a memorable evening. Keep up the great work. See you at the Mid-Atlantic Festival!~~~Jeannie Marshall - Wash DC

I have been so blessed to have Jimmy Heath as a friend and supporter along with his wife Mona. He is sooooooo HIP! Can't wait to read his book. Do it G~~~Tamm E Hunt - NYC

Wow, Jimmy Heath. I studied with him at the Jazz Mobile in Harlem when I graduated from Howard. He taught me jazz arranging/composing. Dig this, Frank Foster was my improve teacher there too. George, Keep up the great work~~~Howard Crawford - Pasadena CA

Mr. Johnson my name is Antoine Smith and I am a 17 year old indie jazz & other genre composer/artist for Turn On Records with Mr. Larry A. Russell, CEO, Eroica. I really dig your shows. I dropped another cd, DAYDREAM. Hoping for a slot! Let me know. Thanks...Antoine Smith

I love you shows. Will be checking them all out! ~~~Ask Lois Lane (Blogtalk host) - Miami