Al Cohn and Zoot Sims on BBC radio 3

[Young Col]

Geoffrey Smith's Jazz on radio 3 last night focussed on Al and Zoot, both during their great partnership performances and separately. Well worth a listen http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01jyzdp

One of my favourite Zoot albums from 1975, late in his life, that was not mentioned in the prog is Basie and Zoot. I remember I was in Dobell's record shop in Charing Cross Road (remember that super emporium?) that year looking for a Christmas present and the album was on the turntable. I just had to buy it!
YC

 

[Kingsleyhk]

That's a great album - Zoot was such a player and, by all accounts, a nice man, if a little prone to liking a cold drink on a hot day.

I saw Al Cohn in Brisbane in about 1984. There a was a funny restaurant/jazz club called Sweet Patootie, run by a local doctor who was a very keen clarinet player in the Woody Allen style. The place was a living - actually pretty dead - example of the old line about how to make a million dollars. Start with 10million and open a jazz club.

It was Sunday lunch gig - and the four of us were the only people there. Nearest I've ever come to a private party - but what a waste!

 

[Young Col]

Good story Kingsley! The leader of our sax ensemble, an ex-Irish Guards bandsman, told me he was on a military visit to San Francisco and they went to a club where Zoot was playing. They managed an invitation to meet Zoot backstage and he chatted at length and shared his whiskey with them.

I saw Al and Zoot together and Zoot on his own at Ronnie Scott's. Unforgettable.

I thought someone posted a video of Zoot recently. Can't find it on forum but here's the link http://youtu.be/wRKgK1NLRlA . Very laid back.

Another good album is For Lady Day, with the excellent and quirky Jimmy Rowles. I also recommend Robert Fowler and Karen Sharp's tribute album to Al and Zoot, Brandy and Beer.
YC

 

[Kingsleyhk]

I'll need to wait to watch the vid as it's 51 minutes - but many thanks for posting. I notice that it's recorded not long before his death. I think it was Gene Lees - the best writer on jazz for my money - who wrote a very moving account of visiting Zoot when he was very near the end. I can't lay my hands on the book although it's around the flat somewhere - another good reason for having an iPad.

Not on this subject but while I'm reminded of Woody Allen: a bunch of jazzers were sitting around talking and the subject of Allen playing clarinet at Michael's Pub came up. George Coleman - wonderful tenor player and circular breather - was asked if he had ever heard Woody play. Coleman replied, "Yes - it's the only time he ever made me laugh." I've always loved that story.

Lastly, you can hear me on the CD "The Great American Songbook - Live at Michael's Pub" by Mel Torme, recorded in 1993.

 

[visionari1]

Thanks Young Col,

But us non Uker's can't view these, much to my frustration!

Cheers

 

[Chris]

Does anyone know the years that Al Cohn was with Artie Shaw??

Chris..

 

[Young Col]

Chris, according to my ever useful Rough Guide to Jazz, 49-50. Immediately after his spell with Herman's Four Brothers band.
YC

 

[Chris]

Nice one YC, I was watching an Artie Shaw documentry, it said he became Artie's arranger but never said when, plus his soloing around then was really good..

Chris..