A Celebration Of Elvin Jones:
Dear Elvin J.
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Video credit: Smalls Jazz Club
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*Chris Potter joined us for our debut performance at Smalls. However, due to prior commitments, he won’t be continuing with the band. Taking over the tenor saxophone chair will be Troy Roberts.
Photo credit: Takehiko Tokiwa
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A Live Performance Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Elvin Jones’s Passing at New York’s Popular Club, Smalls
Photo & Text by Takehiko Tokiwa The jazz scene in New York has seen some major changes since the pandemic, yet the situation remains unchanged, with many talented artists still vying for prominence. This time, I would like to report on a live performance by veteran drummer Tony Moreno, held at the popular jazz club "Smalls" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Elvin Jones’s passing ... |
ABOUT THE DEAR ELVIN J. PROJECT
ELVIN JONES
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Elvin Jones’ passing, Elvin’s protege Tony Moreno has formed a tribute band called the Dear Elvin J. Project. Selecting 10 compositions from Elvin’s classic repertoire, Moreno enlisted NYC arranger/composer Rich Shemaria to create new arrangements for this stellar group featuring saxophonists Troy Roberts and Steve Wilson, bassist Gene Perla, pianist Manuel Valera, percussionist Mauricio Herrera and Moreno on drums.
Tony’s connection with Elvin began during the 1970’s. He explains, “When I was 11 years old, my mother took me to a club down the block where Elvin was performing with his trio featuring bassist Jimmy Garrison and saxophonist Joe Farrell. That was the first time I’d heard jazz played live. Elvin and his wife Keiko sat with us between sets and the following week Elvin gave me an old scratched-up set of Gretsch drums that I later discovered he played on John Coltrane’s recordings, Live at Birdland and Crescent. That same week, I began my studies with Elvin that continued over the next seven years, spending time at his home talking, listening to music, eating dinner, or watching classic Western films. Elvin was my role model, my mentor, and my closest friend.” Through the Dear Elvin J. Project, we honor the extraordinary legacy that Elvin Jones has shared with the world. |
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ELVIN JONES AND TONY MORENO CIRCA 1976
Photo and video credit: Ed Grey
Photo and video credit: Ed Grey