Artist:Grant Green
Song:Time To Remember
Album:Alive!
Grant Green was a very popular jazz guitarist in the 60s. His career faded in the 70s and then he died. But his music has had a rebirth because of sampling by hip hop guys. Also, there aren't a lot of jazz guitarist around today so that causes fans to look at music from the past. He was born June 6, 1931 in St. Louis. His dad taught him guitar and he was playing professionally in a gospel group by age 13. His sound was a mix of R & B and jazz. Lou Donaldson, a sax player with a similar sound, brought Green to the attention of Blue Note and Green moved to New York in 1960. After playing a few sessions, Green made several very popular albums in the 60s. This 1970 CD Alive! was recorded at the Cliche Lounge in Newark, NJ. It's one of Green's best records and a good introduction for newcomers. Musicians are Claude Barlee on tenor sax, Billy Bivens on vibes, Neal Creaque & Ronnie Foster on organ, Idris Muhammad on drums and Joseph Armstrong on congas. A Tribe Called Quest sampled this album. Grant Green had drug problems and died on Jan. 31, 1979 at age 47. He's an unsung hero of jazz. Usually when folks hear his music, they want to hear more because it's very accessible. There's not much video footage of Grant Green but here's short clip of what appears to be some sort of guitar summit from the early 70s.
Well, we finally got that big snowstorm overnight. It was pretty bad on the streets this morning and it's still snowing. I certainly hope it stops soon or I may have to buy a plow.
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