Saturday, July 12, 2014

CHARLIE HADEN R.I.P.

I just found out the great and uniquely talented bassist Charlie Haden passed today, well I guess it's officially yesterday, July 11th. This man's music inspired me, elated me, taught me, engaged me and in some instances enlightened me, and everything he did always moved me.

From what some were calling at the time "one of a kind experimental jazz" and others just heard as  "cacophony" of his late 1960s early 1970s ventures with his Liberation Orchestra, to the simplicity  of the spirituals he recorded with the equally inimitable Hank Jones in the 1990s, and his later return to his folk and country roots, as well as other adventures in music, that made him a master bassist period, not just a master jazz bassist, Charlie Haden was always a gift to those of us who listened.

My heart goes out to his talented children and all his family and friends and fans. He will be missed, but his music will live on. Here's one example, a recording that when I first played it for my bassist oldest son, Miles, brought both of us to tears, moved not only by the spirit embodied in the music, but almost overwhelmed by the distilled musical genius in the purity of both Haden's and Jones's playing:

4 comments:

TC said...

Michael, you beautiful poet man, I thank you for this moving tribute to a brilliant artist, one whose art sustained the soul and will continue to do so until the end of time or the last string has finally vibrated its last and quietly snapped... whichever happens first.

Lally said...

Thanks Tom, you beautiful poet man, and for your blog that constantly amazes and informs...

Miles said...

Dad, thanks for the fitting tribute to a tremendously unique musical force. The song brought me to tears again; great choice that highlights Haden's supremely lyrical style. Sad news for those left behind, but at least we have his transcendent music.

Lally said...

Amen, Miles.