- “The world has lost a real heavyweight,” Larry Goldings says
Keyboardist Jim Beard, a longtime member of Steely Dan’s touring band, has died at 63.
The news was first reported by Billboard magazine, which cited a Steely Dan rep who said Beard died March 2 “due to complications from a sudden illness.”
“He wrote, recorded, arranged and produced some absolutely stunning music, in its sophistication and beauty,” Larry Goldings said in eulogizing his fellow keyboardist.
“The world has lost a real heavyweight.”
Before joining Steely Dan in 2008, Beard toured and recorded with Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Steve Vai, David Sanborn and others, while finding the time to work as a producer and record six solo LPs.
Beard was a “friend and mentor” to former Tedeschi Trucks Band bassist Tim Lefebvre, who had one word to describe the late musician: “Genius.”
“Jim was one of my all-time musical heroes,” said James Raymond, who frequently collaborated with his father, David Crosby.
“A wonderful pianist, synthesist, composer, arranger and producer. … Condolences and thoughts for his family”
Michael Brecker: A Jazz Saxophonist Extraordinaire
Introduction:
Michael Brecker, a renowned jazz saxophonist, was born seventy-five years ago today on March 29, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His career spanned over three decades, during which he established himself as one of the most influential and innovative saxophonists in jazz history. Brecker’s musical journey was marked by his virtuosic playing, unique improvisational style, and…
Pat Metheny – acoustic and electric guitars, guitar synthesizer
Lyle Mays – piano, keyboards
Steve Rodby – double bass, cello
Richard Bona – vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar, fretless bass
Cuong Vu – trumpet, vocals
Antonio Sánchez – drums
“I have often mentioned that the most treacherous location in the jazz world was to be on a bandstand as the guy who has to play the solo right after Mike Brecker.”
Friday Flashback: Todd Rundgren, Taj Mahal and Michele Grey Tell “Night Music” Viewers “Never Mind the Why and Wherefore”
In character and in costume, Todd Rundgren, Taj Mahal and Michele Grey infused “Night Music” with a little Gilbert and Sullivan in 1989.
The three principals are at once serious and silly as they act out their version of “Never Mind the Why and Wherefore” from “H.M.S. Pinafore.”
The band includes David Sanborn on saxophone, Pat Metheny on guitar and Hal Willner on all-important triangle.
Rundgren, as the Captain, uses everything his nimble voice has to offer, plugging his nose at one point and inhaling and exhaling dramatically for effect.
As Sir Joseph and Josephine, respectively, Mahal and Grey are similarly ridiculous, with the former moving stiffly and the latter emitting and exaggerated, sex-kitten vibe, no doubt drawing on her time with the Tubes.
It’s a remarkable performance, made all the more so by the fact they’re all simply clowning around.
Friday Flashback is an occasional series in which Sound Bites looks back at memorable musical moments on television
It was 35 years ago today: the first recording of Steve Reich's Different Trains and Electric Counterpoint, performed by Kronos Quartet and Pat Metheny, respectively, was released on Nonesuch. You can hear it and get it on vinyl here.
“A work of such originality that ‘breakthrough’ seems the only possible description," the New York Times exclaimed of Different Trains, which went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Composition. Pitchfork named the record one of the 200 Best Albums of the 1980s.
Introduction:
In the vast realm of jazz guitar, one name that resonates with unparalleled artistry and innovation is Jim Hall. Born ninety-three years ago today on December 4, 1930, in Buffalo, New York, Hall’s six-decade-long career left an indelible mark on the world of jazz guitar. From his early days alongside jazz giants to his evolution as a groundbreaking soloist, Hall’s journey is a…