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 [...]

The Divine One would have celebrated her 88th birthday on March 27 (born 1924) but she left us way too soon, dying just a few days after her 66th birthday (April 3, 1990). If you click on the photo of Sarah at the bottom of this post, it will take you to the Wikipedia entry [...]

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 [...]

This gentleman (and I do mean “gentleman”) left us much too soon. Joe Williams was one of the most versatile singers to approach a microphone. Listen up and you’ll see where we’re coming from on this edition of Pate’s Place. (By the way, December 12th, 2011 would have been his 93rd birthday. Here’s to you, [...]

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 [...]

Once you’ve heard Marlena Shaw, you’ll never forget her. This lady has a definite style that will stay with you. (P.S. Today happens to be her birthday.) Dangerous (the title track on Dangerous) You’ve Changed/ Oo Wee, Baby (You’ve Changed is on Jimmy Smith’s Sum Serious Blues; Oo Wee is on Dangerous) Love Is In [...]

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 [...]

Three High Priestesses of the Jazz Vocal Tradition, all born during the month of April: Billie Holliday on April 7th, Carmen McRae on April 8th, and Ella Fitzgerald on April 25th — here’s to the Ladies. Lover, Come Back To Me on Billie’s Fine and Mellow: Golden Classics, followed by Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered on [...]

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. [...]