Andrew Hill, Rest In Peace

[Copper Scroll]

One of the true heroes and genuises in the field of jazz has just passed, Andrew Hill.

Obit link

I'm really broken up about this! I had tix to go see him perform for shows scheduled near the end of March. Early in March, he got sick and cancelled the shows. I knew then that that would've been my only chance to see him live, because I knew he had lung cancer. A few weeks later, a video of another recent performance (probably his last) was posted on the internet. That cheered me up a little. I thought about him earlier this week, so I sent an email to his website talking about how much I love and appreciate his music and thanking him for it and whatnot. Now, this. I doubt he ever got the chance to see my email. Depressing.

Here is a true artist: Active from the 50s all the way up to when he got sick in March. His 2006 album Time Lines was every bit as great as most of the work he's produced over the decades. (I doubt any of you care, but I feel like I need to shout in his memory.) This man was a true unsung hero. He gets nowhere near the props he deserves. To me, he's right up there with Miles and Trane, but his voice on piano and as a composer was so unique... he didn't have enough imitators to go down in anyone's hall of fame. Well, you know the routine: I wouldn't doubt it if he gets his props now that he's gone. Better late than never.

What a legacy this man has left behind. I can only hope that my kids have an ounce of his creativity and originality in whatever they decide to do in life. It's too late for me, but at least I've got my copy of Point of Departure!

[ALCHEMY]

Rest in Peace, Andrew.