Everyday, Doc Powell walked or drove back and forth to 97th and Columbus in New York. He also traveled up to Harlem and downtown to Manhattan. It didn't matter which was he went or where ever he came from, 97th and Columbus confronted him. Doc is now a mature individual, but each time he returned to that particular place memories returned.
Recently, Doc was in Chicago serving as musical director for Grammy and Stellar Award winners Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin for their "Hopeville Tour." With him serving as leader of the accompanying band, one could understand why the three gospel stars stir up righteousness through their music.
In so many words Doc said, 97th and Columbus was the haven for his development. The club belonged to Mikell who kept an active program of all genres of music. It was extremely busy, Doc told me and it was a kind of university for a developing musician.
"Musicians from every era frequented 97th and Columbus including Art Black and the Jazz Messengers, George Benson and a host of talented guys, who played their instruments, sang and jammed with fervor."
He remembered Wes Montgomery, the rock outbursts of Carlos Santana who frequented the place that was recognized as the melting pot of the New York sound. He remembered listening to Patrice Rushen, George Duke, Fourplay member Harvey Mason, Grammy Award winner Marcus Miller, Grammy nominated sax virtuoso Bennie Maupin. Other innovative music he heard came back to him in harmonic textures, rhythms and melodies. He also thought about the fantastic improvisations that came when groups interacted together.
What a life? What wealth of musical heritage filled with all kinds of idioms that embraced the eras of musical history, the kind of music that filled the jukeboxes, the fabulous jazz that circulated through Harlem and the swinging styles of many people. Doc recalled that it was George Benson who signed a letter recommending him for college. "He was always a big supporter of my career and my playing," Doc said.
His title track, "97th and Columbus" features saxophonist Ron Brown which permits one to feel how it used to be in a New York club when the joint was jumping and the rhythm section was grooving."
On the album, Doc used his electric classical guitar skills to spotlight Ramsey Lewis' "Sun Goddess" saying "Ramsey is a very important musician and innovative leader and I always wanted to record this song because it is one of my favorites." Another highlight is "Ode to Chet," and this composition's arrangement is extremely innovative and is a beautiful tribute to the musician. Said Doc, "Chet is a favorite guitarist of mine, we also share the experience of being studio musicians who became solo artists."
Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.
Photograph (Doc Powell)
No comments:
Post a Comment