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#83686 - 01/12/05 03:47 PM
A Sad Goodby....
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7294
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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The music community in Kentucky is saying goodby tomorrow to Mike Allen, a musical giant in this area.
I began working with Mike in 1964. He was a Bill Evans type player who stuck to his musical beliefs. He was fairly well known in jazz circles and played around the world in some impressive venues. Around here, he was a society and horse industry favorite.
I doubt any of you have ever heard of him, but he kept true to his musical vision, and lived a modest life, not doing as well, financially, as players of half his ability.
But, that was his choice.
I just wanted to tell people who would understand that Mike's life had meaning and that he made a difference. We argued (he hated arrangers), competed, laughed and developed that high level of unspoken communications and mutual joy so common among long-time collaborators. His passing makes the recent bickering here seem so insignificant.
Man, I'll miss the guy.
Russ
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#83690 - 01/13/05 07:39 AM
Re: A Sad Goodby....
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7294
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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Thanks so much, guys. Mike was 60 years old. Sadly, he went the way of all too many jazz musicians...frustrated at the decrease in the amount of work...alcohol...financial and personal problems. We stood by helplessly...tried everything we could to straighten him out. He was so "out of it" last year, he was barred from his own mother's funeral. He died a bitter, broken man. What a waste.
Years ago in Los Angeles, Ray Brown took me around the circuit to see many of the jazz greats. Like Mike, many were bitter and lost, even though they were giants in their field. I was too green to fully understand their talent, but pitied them for where they were in life. Ray said "listen, but NEVER be like them". You would recognize most of the names, but listing them would be disrespectful, and most students of jazz know who they are anyway.
Much has been written about why this happens. I only know how important it is to pass on the innovation and creativity and to do everything possible to help young talent avoid the terrible pitfalls.
In appreciation...
russ
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#83692 - 01/13/05 01:30 PM
Re: A Sad Goodby....
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7294
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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Was lucky enough to land a job at a club in Apple Valley in 1963. The place was owned by Tony Belson, Louie's brother, also a drummer. My dad was stationd at George AFB in Victorville, and I was a "wet behind the ears" 16 year old rock-n-roller. Through those connections, I went with Louie and his wife, Pearl Bailey, to a taping of the syndicated Steve Allen show in Los Angeles. Ray, Herb Ellis and a few other musicians on the show would take me to local venues. Ray was divorced from, but still close to Ella Fitzgerald, who was extremely shy. Communicated with Ray about once a year until his death several years ago. The last time I saw him was about five years in Louisville, where he was taping a PBS show with Edgar Meyer and Victor Wooten (what a delight). When I got to the hotel, Ray was giving a free bass lesson to a promising local bassist...something he did whenever he traveled. He was as fine a gentleman as I ever met. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. My only regret was that I was too young, green and such a novice player that I really didn't appreciate what I heard and saw until years later.
Ray is proof that decent humans can create, succeed and be rewarded with a long productive career, and can positively affect lives.
Russ
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