John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery (March 6, 1923 – June 15, 1968) My good friend, John Levy, was Wes’ personal manager. In one of his books he wrote that “Wes Montgomery’s style of playing, his block chord voicing, put him on top. No one has come along since with such a unique and innovative sound.” I [...]

Thad Jones left us way too soon (he was only 63 when he died) but he gave us a recorded legacy of wonderful music, some with him as a player, and more by others who recorded his unique arrangements — the sound of a Thad Jones arrangement is unmistakable. Tip Toe on Consummation and H. [...]

Bob James, Nathan East, Chuck Loeb, and Harvey Mason These four gentlemen are serious about making GOOD MUSIC. As phenomenal sidemen they’ve done it for so many artists and now they’re doing it for themselves and you. 101 Eastbound and After The Dance both on their self-titled recording Fourplay Monterey on Between The Sheets and [...]

Photo taken by Andy Baker in Sydney during George’s 2000 Australian tour. (Source: Obituary in The Australian) There are many wonderful stories about George on the Internet. Here are links to a few other obituaries (The Guardian, and John Levy, Buddy DeFranco, and

This show features Diana Krall, a wonderfully talented singer and pianist. Come Dance With Me on From This Moment On and Only Trust Your Heart on Only Trust Your Heart From This Moment On on From This Moment On and I’ve Got You Under My Skin on When I Look In Your Eyes Broadway on [...]

This edition of Pates Place we sadly pay tribute to the late Dr. Billy Taylor. And while you are listening, check out some of the wonderful tributes on the internet – here are three links to get you started: Marc Myers’ JazzWax, Michael Kaiser in The Huffington Post, and Will Friedwald in The Wall Street [...]

John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie. It’s hard to believe that Dizzy left us so long ago – it was this week, the first week of January in 1993 that he died. His worldwide legacy is immense, so check him out. Here’s the obituary that ran in The New York Times. Cool Breeze on Compact Jazz: Dizzy [...]

Born March 26, 1925, Moody died on December 9th 2010. He was 85 Years Young!! We will miss him to be sure, but his music will continue to bring joy to all who listen. 17 Mile Drive and A Patch Of Blue both on Gil Fuller & Monterey Jazz Orch Last Train From Overbrook on [...]

This edition of Pate’s Place we proudly present the talented Roy Hargrove. Check him out on the Internet – here’s a link to a bio to get you started Soppin’ The Biscuit and A Never Let Me Go both on Tenors of Our Time Mental Phrasing also on Tenors of Our Time and Every Time [...]

This edition of Pate’s Place we honor the man who was the father of the jazz organ – Jimmy Smith. He has a birthday coming up soon: born on December 8, 1925 (or maybe 1928) and died on February 8, 2005. Click here to read more about him. Midnight Special on Fourmost and My Romance [...]