Rest in peace to Danny Watring, one of my first core band teachers (who is shown here second from the left).
Danny was my junior high and high school jazz band director, as well as my eighth grade concert band teacher. I literally learned to swing from him. Besides being a music educator who inspired and enriched the lives of thousands of students, he was a drummer with a passion for the tradition of jazz drumming. He was into Papa Joe Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach (his favorite), Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, among others. (In a strange or fateful coincidence, Danny passed the same evening as Jimmy Cobb.)
Danny was very supportive to my high school small group, and although he gave suggestions and pointers, he allowed us a great degree of freedom to discover the music for ourselves. I went to any number of regional jazz festivals for both big band and jazz small groups under his guidance and sponsorship.
I am deeply grateful for my exposure to the music we call jazz and a life's work of creativity and self discovery. With love and respect, thank you for everything, Mr. Watring!
Cheryl Pyle - C flute, alto flute Gene Coleman - piccolo, bass flute Haruna Fukuzawa - C flute Michael Eaton - soprano sax
Free jazz compositions (tunettes) and woodwind chamber improvisations.
Part of the 3rd Sunday Jazz Series at 6BC Botanical Garden.
The Road To Sound's Vanessa Ague reviewed Symbiotique this week. Highlights are depicted above, but read the full review!
Artwork and cover design by Heather Basile.
