Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) has often been called a genius and a number of fine biographies will illuminates the whys and where fors. Here’s a very short list: (1) Duke Ellington’s autobiography Music Is My Mistress; (2) Beyond Category: The Life And Genius Of Duke Ellington by John [...]

This show was posted last Fall when Clare Fischer celebrated his 83rd birthday on October 22, 2011. We wished him a very happy day and thanked him for all his musical gifts that he has given us. That thanks still applies! This is a gentleman who can be called a musical genius. He was way [...]

Today we salute a person who did a lot of work but in a role that doesn’t get a lot of recognition. Personal managers play a vital role in building artists’ careers and John Levy was one of the most respected managers in the business. Let’s listen to some tracks by just a few of [...]

Clark Terry is the ultimate trumpet player. Here at Pate’s Place we humbly salute this jazz giant and keep him in our thoughts as he recovers from his latest medical challenges. (We also celebrate his 91st birthday today. Happy Happy CT!) This photo of Clark in Stockholm was shot by John Levy; it’s from the [...]

Happy 48th Birthday! We don’t feel there are enough adjectives to describe how good this young man is. This is another one of those names most people don’t recognize, but once you hear him play the guitar, you won’t forget him. I Say A Little Prayer (on Black Butterfly) With You I’m Born Again (on [...]

Happy 80th Birthday, my friend! For decades this master of the alto sax has been amazing the world. Bird paved the way and Phil Woods has picked up where Charlie Parker left off. If you’ve never heard him, sit back and enjoy. Fill The Woods With Laughter (on Round Trip) Quintessence (on This Is How [...]

This edition of PatesPlace we salute a person who passed away on October 11, 2008, just a few weeks before his 86th birthday. Here at Pate’s Place we’re going to celebrate the man and his wonderful music that, lucky for us, will go on forever. October 29, 2011 would have been his 89th birthday. Fantail [...]

This special edition of Pate’s Place is proud to bring you some of the superbly talented ladies in our business.   DIVA, an all-female big band headed by drummer Sherri Maricle, playing You Stepped Out of a Dream and If I Should Lose You – both tunes are on Something’s Coming     Pianist Lynne [...]

Riley B. King, known by the stage name B.B. King, was born September 16, 1925. We salute B.B. King, the undisputed King Of the Blues. Happy Birthday B.B.! Every Day I Have The Blues (on Live at the Regal and on The Complete Collection) I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water/ Having My Say (Drink Muddy Water [...]

On this edition of Pate’s Place we welcome the talents of a brilliant arranger/orchestrator, Don Sebesky. Theme from “Deadly Affairs” and Maybe September both on Earl Klugh’s Sounds & Visions Con Alma and A Quiet Thing both on Wes Montgomery’s Bumpin’ Moment to Moment and Yesterday’s Dreams both on Freddie Hubbard’s First Light Theme from [...]