Continuing on from my earlier article, I mentioned that Charlie Parker and Stan Getz were among Dad’s strongest early influences. Parker was an influence on everyone including Getz. Getz was an influence on Dad on the bandstand from their several years touring together with the Stan Getz Quintet. Dad actually mentioned copying some phrases from Stan, including that trademark double-noted phrase of his. (Listen to Live In Tokyo’s “Darn That Dream” for reference). In the late 40s, at Al Haig’s suggestion, Dad woodshedded Charlie Parker’s Dial and particulary the Savoy Sessions. He learned all the solos note for note, figuring out the appropriate fingering (which ofcourse at that time there…
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How Did I Become A Living Legend? By Jimmy Raney
A few days ago I began to wonder how I had become a Living Legend. It has happened in the last few years. Before that I was an Old Master. I’m not sure what a Living Legend is. I’ve also become an Elder Statesman. I don’t know what that is either. I don’t do much anymore, so I think about these things. That last sentence is a good example of what a Living Legend does. When I first became an Old Master, it worried me. I knew it meant the end was in sight, but I didn’t know what to do about it. I know who’s behind it though; it’s…