Roy Owen Haynes - Jazz

 

All That Jazz

Roy Owen Haynes born on March 13,1925. Roy is an American Jazz Drummer. His career lasting for more then sixty years. During the fifties his nick name was "Snap Crackle." He has jammed with more greats then you can possibly imagine. Roy celebrated his ninety first birthday last Thursday evening on March 10, at The Blue Note Jazz Club in NY city. He played with his band members, Jaleel Shaw on sax, Martin Bejerano on piano, David Wong on bass and special guest Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. I know because I was there for the 10:30 evening show. I sat close and personal as I watched in awe as these great musicians jammed together. The place was packed, and you couldn't put a piece of thread between each persons chair. The music, and the sound was an experience all it's own. To watch Roy perform is something you will never encounter in a lifetime. Music is within his soul he is the music. He simply never missed a beat!

Pat Bruce Metheny born on August 12,1954. Pat is an American Jazz Guitarist. He is noted for his electric guitar, acoustic guitar and guitar synthesizer. Jazz lovers know him as The Pat Metheny Group and Pat Metheny Unity Group. Pat delivers a unique quality and style to his music. If you follow jazz the name Pat Metheny will ring loud and clear. He made his first appearance on the jazz scene in 1974. I know because I bought his first album as soon as I heard his signature sound on a Smooth Jazz radio station out of Boston, MA.

Pat tells a story through his musical arrangements. He writes and composes all his music. When a song begins with Pat it starts off slow soft and simple, not all the instruments start at the same time. He begins with his acoustic or electric guitar, drums, and piano. As the song develops more instruments are added to the story and his guitar takes on a specific lead. He builds the music up like a crescendo and he switches to his signature guitar synthesizer. Now all the instruments in the group are playing louder and more vigorously and his guitar begins speaking to the listener. His Guitars musical vibration reaches it's peak, wildly hitting higher notes as the sound transcends into a strong message. The background music is blending in perfect harmony with all the instruments playing together in unison. Pat then brings back his acoustic or electric guitar and ever so controlled he slowly winds down. Each individual instrument making its last attempt to ring out before eventually coming full circle back to its beginning, softly and rhythmically ending the story. 
Brilliant orchestration!

Pat's storytelling through his music has been told in so many different arrangements over the decades. His signature sound resonates deep into the soul. No other Jazz guitarist writes, arranges music and puts on a jazz performance quite like him.

To watch an artist who you admire in itself brings great joy. Especially one who you've listened to your whole adult life. An artist/musician who's music influenced and inspired you as a struggling artist, helped you cope through good times and bad times. This dreamlike vision was playing no more then a few feet away and it was overwhelming for me. I never dreamed in a million years I'd ever have the unique pleasure of finally experiencing Pat's artistry. I was at the right place at the right time.

Watching Roy and his band with Pat was truly magical that eventful evening. They literally fed off each other and you could feel and see the enormous God given talent flowing out of their bodies down their arms through their hands to the tips of their fingers.

My only regret is I did not have the chance to shake Roy's hand, thank his band or introduce myself to Pat. The opportunity did not present itself. I still left The Blue Note happy and quite content as I had witnessed a musical birthday celebration to a very special jazz legend, and a unique jazz musician who will always have a special place in my heart... 3