the rix mix

The death of Les Paul at age 94 is headline news in New York City today. Les was a local guy. Rightly honored in his time as a guitarist, inventor, technological innovator, he was first & foremost a supremely skilled, open-minded, working musician, performing weekly at a club in Manhattan until June.

Les & singer/partner Mary Ford

"were touring in 1948 when Mr. Paul’s car skidded off an icy bridge. Among his many injuries, his right elbow was shattered; once set, it would be immovable for life. Mr. Paul had it set at an angle, slightly less than 90 degrees, so that he could continue to play guitar."

Also passing was Rashied Ali, a wonderful jazz drummer best known for his playing in John Coltrane's final, most free bands, but who continued to be a strong presence in New York & internationally, & had been scheduled to play at Newport jazzfest on Sunday. Like Les, a musician's musician, if that makes sense, the Rashied tributes will come more slowly but be just as heartfelt.

Labels: music, obituary