[Kelly Bucheger]

And if your response is "Heard who?", that's probably about right, in terms of how it goes in the jazz world -- and that's out of whack, because Joe Ford is one of those journeymen jazz players who is under the radar screen but blowin' away folks who know about him...

I first heard him on MyCoy Tyner's Focal Point (great record, by the way!). What I didn't know is that he's originally from my adopted home town of Buffalo, so last night's gig was a sort of homecoming for him.

He was playing in drummer Nasar Abadey's Supernova -- and the quartet, based in D.C., I think, was KILLIN', playing all originals and evoking Trane's and McCoy's bands over the years, swinging and not swinging and going inside and outside and all over the place...

They're on tour, and if they show up in your neck of the woods, they're worthy -- check 'em out!

 

[sideC]

Joe's been killin' for a long time. I first met him back in the mid 70's when he was working in McCoy Tyner's band. They were working at the Village Gate a lot and I would ride into the city with my friend Charles Fambrough, who was bassist in the band. Joe was playing lots of soprano and flute in addition to his alto. Joe's the total package when it comes to music and musicianship....it's always a treat to hear him.

 

[SiB0717]

I envy you... He has been my favourite on Soprano and Alto ever since I first listened to Charles Fambrough's "The proper Angle". Later I discovered him playing in Jerry Gonzales' Fort Apache Band. He only has one CD out as a leader though. Does anyone know it?

 

[Soul Patch Paul]

I think it is "Today's Night" on Blue Moon Records.

 

[Leon]

He is and has long been one of my favorite saxophonists, much under appreciated. I have been wondering where and with whom he has been working.

 

[SiB0717]

Yes thanks Soul Patch Paul. Just ordered it on ebay..

 

[sideC]

He's also on the new recording by the band known as "Lines Of Reason." It's called "Ask Again."

 

[SiB0717]

Thanks sideC, but I also bought Larry Willis' Sanctuary and Jerry Gonzales' Earthdance. Will definitely check out Lines Of Reason in the future though.