AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Mike Longo Trio

 

Artist:The Mike Longo Trio

Song:Honeysuckle Rose

Album:The Mike Longo Trio Celebrates Oscar Peterson Live

Jazz pianist Mike Longo started out as a sideman in the 60s mostly with Dizzy Gillespie. He had recorded as a leader since the 70s and he was a fixture on the New York club scene until his recent death from COVID-19. He was born Mar. 19, 1937 in Cincinnati. His parents were amateur musicians. Longo said he was three years old when he was at a Count Basie concert. He was fascinated by child prodigy Sugar Chile Robinson playing boogie woogie piano. His parents sent him to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for lessons. After his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL, Longo won a local talent contest at age twelve. He started out in his dad's band. But after sitting in on a Cannonball Adderley show, Adderley taught Longo how to be a professional musician. Longo recorded with Adderley and then he earned a Bachelor of Music at Western Kentucky University. Longo moved to New York. He was playing at the Metropole where he was on the main floor and Dizzy Gillespie was upstairs. Gillespie liked him and mentioned him in an interview. Longo took piano lessons from Oscar Peterson. Longo started his own trio in the 60s. He was again playing at the Metropole when Roy Eldredge brought Gillespie to see him. Longo had an upcoming gig with Eldredge. Gillespie hired Longo and he would be Gillespie's musical director for many years. Longo was with Gillespie when he died in 1993 and he delivered the eulogy at Gillespie's funeral. His connection with Gillespie was they were both members of the Baha'i faith. Longo recorded for Mainstream, Groove Merchant and Pablo in the 70s. He started his own Consolidated Artists label in 1981 and remained there for the rest of his career. He recorded other artists too. Honeysuckle Rose is from the 2014 album The Mike Longo Trio Celebrates Oscar Peterson Live. This was recorded at the Baha'i Center in New York City with Paul West on bass and Ray Mosca on drums. Of course this album was a big deal for Longo as Peterson was his biggest influence and a mentor. Longo released his final album in 2017. He continued to play New York clubs until his death from COVID-19 on Mar. 23, 2020 at age 83. Here's The Mike Longo Trio with Paul West on bass and Mike Campenni on drums performing Honeysuckle Rose at the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium at the Baha'i Center in New York City Feb. 19, 2019.