Thank you for shedding light on one of the truly forgotten giants of modern jazz. I used his composition “Low Tide” as my radio theme song for a while. When Frank Foster was leading the Basie band in the 1990s, I gave him a cassette of the Hope session. Even HE had forgotten it! I remember he also remarked that trumpeter Freeman Lee was very much forgotten. I hope your piece will generate new interest in Hope’s music.
The thing about jazz is that it is always in the present moment. The music is immortal. These musicians are still playing, we're still listening and isn't it amazing this fate of jazz musicians to suffer horribly for their music.? So many of them!
I just played "Crazy". The melody statement is simply hilarious. The tenor solo is strong. Elmo's keyboard work is dense with clouds of chords. I see how he was one of the triplets. What a compelling relationship you describe!
One aspect of the music is the dialogue that Philly Joe is having with Elmo. They're listening and responding to ona another with incredible quick wit and humor. I've never heard better Philly Joe. As for Elmo...oh I wish I were one tenth as good.
Omg, thanks for this. I’m shocked and disappointed that I have never heard of him until now. (And thanks to the double-edged sword that is streaming, I can dig in to all of it.)
I have to give kudos to Bertha (with whom I played countless times with Jazzberry Jam) for keeping Elmo's music alive. Since I also had a husband with a legacy, I know how difficult it is to not let these remarkable men disappear from history.
Thank you for shedding light on one of the truly forgotten giants of modern jazz. I used his composition “Low Tide” as my radio theme song for a while. When Frank Foster was leading the Basie band in the 1990s, I gave him a cassette of the Hope session. Even HE had forgotten it! I remember he also remarked that trumpeter Freeman Lee was very much forgotten. I hope your piece will generate new interest in Hope’s music.
The thing about jazz is that it is always in the present moment. The music is immortal. These musicians are still playing, we're still listening and isn't it amazing this fate of jazz musicians to suffer horribly for their music.? So many of them!
Well said!
I've just recently discovered Elmo Hope and he deserves recognition!
Great write up. Any recommendations for those who are new to his music? Thanks
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA8ej7A4S9iW9GuttSuoAeiwM5v01ziEH&si=vIHIJrYShguo-AEo
I just played "Crazy". The melody statement is simply hilarious. The tenor solo is strong. Elmo's keyboard work is dense with clouds of chords. I see how he was one of the triplets. What a compelling relationship you describe!
One aspect of the music is the dialogue that Philly Joe is having with Elmo. They're listening and responding to ona another with incredible quick wit and humor. I've never heard better Philly Joe. As for Elmo...oh I wish I were one tenth as good.
Wonderful piece!
Omg, thanks for this. I’m shocked and disappointed that I have never heard of him until now. (And thanks to the double-edged sword that is streaming, I can dig in to all of it.)
He's new to me, as well but I really dig his playing.
Thank you! I’ve always appreciated his music. It is great to learn more about it.
I hope this is not taken as disrespectful, but Crazy sounds like a mashup of jazz and Carl Stalling (look him up).
Great piece! He has been a favorite for years, nice to see some light shined on him.
Losing one's cabaret card was definitely a problem. I don't know if you knew my late husband, saxophonist Gil Baretto (a cousin of Ray)but the loss of his card ended his jazz career. He went on to become a bandleader on the Catskill circuit, and later a spiritual teacher. https://www.local802afm.org/allegro/articles/remembering-gil-barretto-a-bandleader-who-became-a-spiritual-teacher/
I have to give kudos to Bertha (with whom I played countless times with Jazzberry Jam) for keeping Elmo's music alive. Since I also had a husband with a legacy, I know how difficult it is to not let these remarkable men disappear from history.
Another jazz great about whom I knew nothing. Gracias!
Additionally, allow me to recommend and refer you all to Noal Cohen's comprehensive and excellent website on Elmo Hope.
https://attictoys.com/elmo-hope/
For those who want to learn more, check out my program
https://gribetzsid.podbean.com/e/elmo-hope/