Big Band Leader Gerald Wilson Died

[mr_june]

Very, very underrated figure from the world of Jazz. Ken Burns didn't even mention Gerald in his Jazz documentary. I first heard about Gerald when [[of all people) my mother came home with the album "Moment of Truth" in the middle to late 1960's. That album featured the popular "Viva Tirado" but didn't stop there. The entire album is good and I was hooked immediately and explored his other albums. His material could be very melodic and his band members were first rate, top of the line guys. I heard the news earlier this morning.

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituar...ry.html#page=1

Studio version of Viva Tirado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83Cn2UU79F8

Live version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJXdX1bK-a8

[splanky]

Yea, I had been aware of Gerald's passing. He lived a full and productive life and was an inspiration to so many. I was kinda surprised to see a mention of him here on SD considering
how few of the members listen to jazz...Then again, that's not just here, that's society overall. So, I repeat what I've been saying to those I know in real time: RIP. Gerald, thanks
for all the music..

[Soul Sister]

Gerald was an amazing person. He co-arranged Jimmy's "masterpiece" album on the Ray Charles label Tangerine title "Falling In Love Is Wonderful".
Here is a photo i took at the 2012 "NEA Jazz Masters" of Gerald and Jimmy chatting:


BTW, that's Gerald's daughter Jeri behind him.

S.S.
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