Comments for DevraDoWrite

Comment on Benny Powell, R.I.P. by Keith Charles Edwards

Keith Charles Edwards — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:01:19 +0000

I met him in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Dale Lind introduced him to us and I went up and introduced myself to Mr. Powell (not Benny, he was old enough to be my father. I always called elder musicians “mister.” I was a fan of television variety show bands. He was amazing. He always was in my thoughts. He was what a musician should be: a musician’s musician and a man’s man. He was a truly a man of faith. I am glad that St. Peter’s gave him a place to hang his hat with so many others like him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Comment on Jake Hanna, R.I.P. by Michael Steinman

Michael Steinman — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:13:38 +0000

Thanks for the tale, Devra -- it might be the only recorded instance of someone having the last word, physical or verbal, when Jake was around. He certainly deserved his own video documentary, although making it public would have been a problem! I saw him several times -- at Sunnie Sutton's Denver jazz parties and at Nola Studios in NYC and marveled at his energy as a storyteller and swing behind his kit. I've posted my own memories of Jake on my blog -- JAZZ LIVES -- and hope that the Jake stories we remember and share will keep us from feeling too sad. Thanks and cheers, Michael Note from Devra: Michael's Jake-specific posts are here and here.

Comment on Jake Hanna, R.I.P. by Sheila

Sheila — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:35:45 +0000

Great story on Jake. Thanks for writing this. The world lost a great drummer.

Comment on Memorial Service for Dick Katz by Rick Bogart

Rick Bogart — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:10:10 +0000

Would like to play at his memorial as I knew him for thirty years-he was a great man and musician

Comment on Les “Coach” Fernandez R.I.P. by Warren Healey

Warren Healey — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:14:25 +0000

While trying to find the schedule for this years Golden Gloves I came upon this site. Although I never met Coach Fernandez I feel I now know him after reading all the wonderful tributes written about him. I’ve always considered myself very lucky to have a wonderful wife, children & now grandchildren & to have met many terriffic people through the years. After reading about Coach Fernandez I know I wasn’t as lucky as I thought because I never got to meet Coach Fernandez. To his family I say cheriss all the memories you have of this wonderful man. The world is a better place because he was here.

Comment on John Levy Celebrated at Farnsworth Park by Jay Ashby

Jay Ashby — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:02:42 +0000

Such joy in these photos! Beautiful moments from a beautiful day. Thanks for sharing Devra. John – you never cease to amaze me. Thank you so much for keeping this music we love alive. I look forward to hearing about all the countless other awards that you deserve to receive. Love, Jay

Comment on Takin’ It Back With Barack, Jack! by markbrand

markbrand — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:42:07 +0000

A classic and we would like to see this sung again in 2010 at mid term…

Comment on John Levy Celebrated at Farnsworth Park by June Jacobs

June Jacobs — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:22:15 +0000

I’m so happy to read this… and so glad John is getting the kudos he so richly deserves.

What a wonderful day that must have been.

Congratulations!
June

Comment on Grammys Not In The News by Paul

Paul — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Jazz really is less relevant than we jazz folk might like to admit. In many ways it has become a regional phenomenon, a passion for educated easterners, that doesn’t speak to the rest of the country.

I suspect this is because the small but loyal national audience jazz used to have has been allowed to age out and atrophy, leaving only a ghetto of hardcore fans, who are here because of a. racial identity or b. artistic obsession.

Comment on John Levy Celebrated at Farnsworth Park by Marla Kleman

Marla Kleman — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:17:19 +0000

I enjoyed reading this, Devra and you both look fantastic! Your description of the afternoon and the pictures were heartwarming!

Marla