[scooby]

I've been listening and transcribing quite a bit of Larry's stuff lately. I've only heard him on recordings, never live.

Anyone have some Larry McKenna info? What's he up to lately? Still playing around Philly?

There was a website that used to have some educational material by Larry (notes from masterclasses, some transcriptions, some written out solos over standards, etc.). Looks like that site is gone now. I was lucky to grab some of it when the site was still active.

Here's a short clip of Larry talking about the Philly scene and when he met Bird:

-Scooby

 

[sideC]

Very nice to check out that video of Larry. I was just telling a friend/student the same thing about the real book yesterday, good to hear it from Larry. Heh heh, that's Bootsie Barnes at the end of the vid, when Larry is blowing.

Larry's still playing wherever he can, Philly or otherwise. He's always been a humble master, making things look way too easy. I remember many years ago, I was sitting next to Larry in a big band, working a New Years Eve gig. We were in between tunes during a lull, and the bandleader races up to Larry and snaps, "Larry, My One And Only Love." Larry jumps up and plays the first few notes of the melody, and the rhythm section joins him. He proceeds to play one of the most absolutely beautiful versions of the tune that I have ever heard, breathtaking. When he finishes he sits down and I lean over to him and I say, "Larry, I'm turning my horn into a lamp first thing tomorrow morning." Larry looks at me like I'm crazy until he realizes what I meant, then we both bust out laughing. Ha ha ha, he's a beautiful cat.

 

[scooby]

I had a chance to do a little more research on Larry this weekend and came across this extended interview with him:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=27388

 

[Alroquez]

Thanks for that, Scooby, that was a pleasant read on a quite post-Christmas morning.

 

[13020]

Wonderful! Thanks...what a classic Philly accent too!

 

[saxyjare01]

LOVE Larry's Playing. His clinics always made melody and theoretical sense. He always says "My whole life, all I've tried to do is make beautiful lines."

 

[DannyLuciano]

I've been listening and transcribing quite a bit of Larry's stuff lately. I've only heard him on recordings, never live.

Anyone have some Larry McKenna info? What's he up to lately? Still playing around Philly?

There was a website that used to have some educational material by Larry (notes from masterclasses, some transcriptions, some written out solos over standards, etc.). Looks like that site is gone now. I was lucky to grab some of it when the site was still active.

Here's a short clip of Larry talking about the Philly scene and when he met Bird:

-Scooby

I had the pleasure of working with Larry in the past - if possible I will reach out for more information from our mutual friends. - Danny

 

[Hamish123£]

I love Larry's playing, great sound and swings like hell, what more do you need.