Heath Brothers quartet

Cafe Society
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Went to a jazz concert last night to see the remaining Heath brothers play. This quartet has Jimmy “Little Bird” Heath (age 90), his brother Albert “Tootie” Heath (age 80), and a younger bass and piano man. Percy, the third brother died in 2005. Jimmy Heath is a tenor sax man who played with all the greats, including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, etc., and was briefly a member of Miles Davis’s band. Albert is the drummer.

Now, there are a number old timer jazz artists still touring, some of whom no longer have the breath control or the dexterity to still play well. It’s sad to see folks like that, but they need the money, I guess.

They killed it. Jimmy can still rip it up on a tenor that’s nearly as big as he is: plenty of wind and can move the keys. He’s very spry and is obviously loving what he does. Albert does pretty well on drums; not innovative, but solid. Jimmy also did a number on the soprano, which is not my favorite instrument, but he did a nice job with it. After his set, he made another appearance to play with the second act, Javon Jackson’s group. Three masters on the stage (two tenors and an alto), funking it up with some really nice hard bop. Nice to be able to see him play live.

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Jimmy Heath is still playing?! Wow.

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I heard Jimmy play several times in New York, when he was a spry youngster in the '80s and '90s.

Up until recently, Lou Donaldson – the original saxophonist in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers – still did frequent appearances, but he’s been quiet lately. He’s also 90 years old.

Bop drummer Roy Haynes is still active at 91.

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I sat next to Roy Haynes at a Jon Hendricks show, maybe 12 or so years ago. He was there with the whole family and was busily explaining phrasing and other nuances to a young tyke who must have been his grandson (or maybe great-grandson). It was charming to see.