Roy Brooks can be seen at the drum kit; Charles McPherson is holding the saxophone at the right; Lonnie Hillyer stands next to him with his trumpet. The center of attention is saxophonist Sonny Stitt, one of the New York bop kings who brought his stuff to the Blue Bird and shared it in jam sessions. Hillyer and McPherson were proteges of Detroit pianist Barry Harris who went on to make their marks in Charles Mingus’ group in New York. Hillyer is deceased, but McPherson today is one of the finest living interpreters of the classic bebop style of late legends Charlie Paker and Stitt. Detroiter Brooks is the focus of the Swinging Through Time video exhibit. |
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Swinging Through Time – Graystone – Tour – Blue Bird
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