JAM Magazine: October/November 1997 Issue: Scrapple From the Apple

by Russ Dantzler

A Grand Farewell to Doc Cheatham
Doc Cheatham's memorial service at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Manhattan was held on June 8, less than one week after Doc passed away while touring with Nicholas Payton. Such quick scheduling meant that many of Doc's friends could not plan to be there. Still, so many people tried to attend that the church doors had to be locked to control the crowd, the first time this has happened.

Memorials at this unique church with a full-time minister to the jazz community are held to celebrate a musician's life. Doc's nearly 92 years left people grasping for superlatives when they spoke of him, but in a way, they all said the same thing. Pastor Dale Lind, Grammy award winner Phil Schaap, and father of music festivals George Wein all told us that with Doc, what you saw was what you got.

What you saw with Doc Cheatham was kindness, warmth, and a generosity of spirit that made everyone in his audiences feel good. With Doc, every good quality was consistent off-stage as well. Trumpeter Jean Davis told of being a student of Doc's and also unable to afford a good instrument. Doc gave her one; and when it was no longer in excellent condition, he gave her another!

"Star Dust," from Doc's new album on Verve with Nicholas Payton, was the recorded prelude that people heard as they filled the church. Tribute performers began with Wynton Marsalis and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon playing "Flee As A Bird," and "Didn't He Ramble," creating at first a feeling of sorrow and then of joy. I have never heard Wynton's trumpet emit more emotion. This occasion seemed to bring the very best out of each musician.

Trumpeters Jon Faddis and Jimmy Owens played "Swing That Music" and "There Will Never Be Another You" respectively with support from Chuck Folds on piano, Earl May on bass, and Eddie Locke on drums.

Next was an unscheduled miracle of sorts.

Al Grey had literally escaped from the hospital that morning against all medical advice to be at this service. Just days prior, five of his toes had been amputated. Clark Terry joined him on stage. As their horns seemed to be singing Lil Hardin Armstrong's "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," the sun began to beam through the church windows appearing to light their horns on fire. When the music ended, so did the sunlight.

Doc has a teen-aged grandson who provided another poignant moment. William Croker, with the same sort of signature hat that Doc wore and similar facial and body features, played "On Broadway" on his trumpet. Doc's old friends and family saw an uncanny resemblance to the young Doc they had known. When the service ended, attendees viewed -- some through tears -- a remarkable photo display of pictures lovingly assembled and mounted by Jane Folds, Manhattan artist and wife of Chuck Folds.

Statesmen of Jazz Japan Tour Begins
with White House Blessings
The following message on White House stationery was received prior to the group's September 14 departure for Japan from JFK airport.

"I am delighted to applaud the Statesmen of Jazz as you travel to Japan.

Jazz holds a unique place in our nation's musical heritage. In its dynamism, innovation, and diversity, it speaks to our soul and gives voice to our joys and sorrows. Jazz remains a vibrant part of our culture that is cherished by music lovers here and around the world.

Through your dedication to excellence, each of you has enriched this music genre and our cultural heritage. You have touched the lives of countless listeners around the world who love jazz. As you share this uniquely American art form with the people of Japan, you remind us to celebrate the power of music to transcend race, age, nationality and language. Thank you for giving so generously of your time and extraordinary talents.

Best wishes for a wonderful tour."

Signed, Bill Clinton.

Look for more about this remarkable tour of jazz veterans in the next JAM.

Potpourri
Kevin Mahogany delighted a Birdland full of intent listeners for four nights beginning August 27. This gorgeous room is still new and large enough to have a cautious policy of keeping most bookings, such as Joe Chambers and Cedar Walton earlier in August, down to no longer than a three-night engagement. Giving Kevin four nights appeared to pay off well.

Drummer Matt Kane was in the audience one night (with guitarist Jake Blanton, both of whom have moved to New York) and he ended up staying a block away with me for several nights following as he continued to search for a more permanent New York home. He has since settled happily in Astoria, Queens. Sorry, Kansas City, we've got him now!

Trombonist Earlie Braggs has been another guest in my home as he was first heading to Europe with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, then playing Lincoln Center out of doors, and most recently practicing for a Chicago show. Only the very best musicians work repeatedly with the Jacquet band, one of the finest bands in jazz.

FYI. Kansas City visitors to New York are invited to contact me about rooming arrangements as well as where to find the best and most affordable jazz in this city. The music rooms are opening fast, and I now have about a dozen of them within walking distance. Please call if you are coming this way.

Responses or comments: (212) 586-8125, 328 West 43rd St., Ste 4F, New York, NY 10036. E-mail: hotjazz@soho.ios.com. Artist info web site: http://soho.ios.com/~hotjazz/HOTJAZZ.html

RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1997 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		by Russ Dantzler A Grand Farewell to Doc Cheatham Doc Cheatham's memorial service at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Manhattan was held on June 8, less than one week after Doc passed away while touring with Nicholas Payton. Such quick scheduling meant that many of Doc's friends could not plan to be there. Still, so many people tried to attend that the church doors had to be locked to control the crowd, the first time this has happened. Memorials at this unique church with a full-time minister to the jazz community are held to celebrate a musician's life. Doc's nearly 92 years left people grasping for superlatives when they spoke of him, but in a way, they all said the same thing. Pastor Dale Lind, Grammy award winner Phil Schaap, and father of music festivals George Wein all told us that with Doc, what you saw was what you got. What you saw with Doc Cheatham was kindness, warmth, and a generosity of spirit that made everyone in his audiences feel good. With Doc, every good quality was consistent off-stage as well. Trumpeter Jean Davis told of being a student of Doc's and also unable to afford a good instrument. Doc gave her one; and when it was no longer in excellent condition, he gave her another! "Star Dust," from Doc's new album on Verve with Nicholas Payton, was the recorded prelude that people heard as they filled the church. Tribute performers began with Wynton Marsalis and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon playing "Flee As A Bird," and "Didn't He Ramble," creating at first a feeling of sorrow and then of joy. I have never heard Wynton's trumpet emit more emotion. This occasion seemed to bring the very best out of each musician. Trumpeters Jon Faddis and Jimmy Owens played "Swing That Music" and "There Will Never Be Another You" respectively with support from Chuck Folds on piano, Earl May on bass, and Eddie Locke on drums. Next was an unscheduled miracle of sorts. Al Grey had literally escaped from the hospital that morning against all medical advice to be at this service. Just days prior, five of his toes had been amputated. Clark Terry joined him on stage. As their horns seemed to be singing Lil Hardin Armstrong's "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," the sun began to beam through the church windows appearing to light their horns on fire. When the music ended, so did the sunlight. Doc has a teen-aged grandson who provided another poignant moment. William Croker, with the same sort of signature hat that Doc wore and similar facial and body features, played "On Broadway" on his trumpet. Doc's old friends and family saw an uncanny resemblance to the young Doc they had known. When the service ended, attendees viewed -- some through tears -- a remarkable photo display of pictures lovingly assembled and mounted by Jane Folds, Manhattan artist and wife of Chuck Folds. Statesmen of Jazz Japan Tour Begins with White House Blessings The following message on White House stationery was received prior to the group's September 14 departure for Japan from JFK airport. "I am delighted to applaud the Statesmen of Jazz as you travel to Japan. Jazz holds a unique place in our nation's musical heritage. In its dynamism, innovation, and diversity, it speaks to our soul and gives voice to our joys and sorrows. Jazz remains a vibrant part of our culture that is cherished by music lovers here and around the world. Through your dedication to excellence, each of you has enriched this music genre and our cultural heritage. You have touched the lives of countless listeners around the world who love jazz. As you share this uniquely American art form with the people of Japan, you remind us to celebrate the power of music to transcend race, age, nationality and language. Thank you for giving so generously of your time and extraordinary talents. Best wishes for a wonderful tour." Signed, Bill Clinton. Look for more about this remarkable tour of jazz veterans in the next JAM. Potpourri Kevin Mahogany delighted a Birdland full of intent listeners for four nights beginning August 27. This gorgeous room is still new and large enough to have a cautious policy of keeping most bookings, such as Joe Chambers and Cedar Walton earlier in August, down to no longer than a three-night engagement. Giving Kevin four nights appeared to pay off well. Drummer Matt Kane was in the audience one night (with guitarist Jake Blanton, both of whom have moved to New York) and he ended up staying a block away with me for several nights following as he continued to search for a more permanent New York home. He has since settled happily in Astoria, Queens. Sorry, Kansas City, we've got him now! Trombonist Earlie Braggs has been another guest in my home as he was first heading to Europe with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, then playing Lincoln Center out of doors, and most recently practicing for a Chicago show. Only the very best musicians work repeatedly with the Jacquet band, one of the finest bands in jazz. FYI. Kansas City visitors to New York are invited to contact me about rooming arrangements as well as where to find the best and most affordable jazz in this city. The music rooms are opening fast, and I now have about a dozen of them within walking distance. Please call if you are coming this way. Responses or comments: (212) 586-8125, 328 West 43rd St., Ste 4F, New York, NY 10036. E-mail: hotjazz@soho.ios.com. Artist info web site: http://soho.ios.com/~hotjazz/HOTJAZZ.html RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.