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don messina's avatar

My absolute favorite drummer / swinging, creative, intense yet light, always moving forward: when he played with Pettiford it was perfection.

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Steven Cerra's avatar

Thanks for posting this, Don. Loved the Pettiford observation.

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don messina's avatar

My teacher/pianist bandmate Sal Mosca recorded with Oscar and Kenny in 1957. He said it was heaven. There is a YouTube video of Sal Warne marsh, Eddie Gomez and Kenny from the 1980s. Lennie Tristano loved Kenny!

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Tom Storer's avatar

Thanks for this! I moved to Paris in 1979 and was amazed to find that Kenny Clarke was still a regular in the clubs. I saw him many times over the next few years and it was always a joyous occasion. He had the most warm, infectious swing. Cherished memories!

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Steven Cerra's avatar

What a thrill - Paris and Kenny Clarke in 1979! Happy for you, Tom. Glad the piece brought back some memories of a special time in your life.

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Tom Uebel's avatar

Thanks for sharing this rich and most insightful piece on Kenny Clarke -- and to Ed Thigpen for recording what he recalled musician-to-musician, drummer-to-drummer. (Btw, Clark-Boland's backer was Gigi Campi.)

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Steven Cerra's avatar

Thanks for your nice note, Tom. Glad to know you enjoyed the Klook/Thigpen piece and I also appreciate the additional information. Kind regards, Steve

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Billy Beaver's avatar

Great article!

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Steven Cerra's avatar

Thanks, Billy. Glad to know you enjoyed the piece. Kind regards, Steve

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