Comments on: Jim Hall, RIP

By: Joe L

Joe L — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 02:35:43 +0000

Would love to hear what Dan has to say, but according to “Open Sky,” Eric Nisenson’s bio of Sonny, the racial issues did a play a part, but only a part. Specifically, Sonny was angry because club owners and technicians spoke only to Jim and ignored Sonny. In the book, Sonny stresses repeatedly that is was not Jim’s fault and he never blamed Jim. It just put some pressure on Sonny. Also, Sonny frequently changed personnel, so he was ready to change anyway. Also, Sonny more specifically wanted to explore a freer sound with Don Cherry, and after playing with those two a few times, Jim felt uncomfortable, and Sonny also thought Jim was not a fit. Both were sad about it, but felt it was OK to move on. (pgs. 155-157).

On a separate note, just want to echo the love for Concierto. Jim’s playing is great, and he brought out the best in Chet Baker (never any easy thing post-1970).

By: Mattyman

Mattyman — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 00:30:04 +0000

I only have Jim Hall’s seminal “Concierto” album on CTI and it’s still superb to my ears. May he rest in peace.
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ONE THING THOUGH: what about Chico Hamilton’s recent death? On November 26 it was online everywhere: he died, 92 years old. Let’s not forget Chico, folks. May he, too, rest in peace.

By: Earl

Earl — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 22:25:12 +0000

I’m with you Steve; Concierto may just be the best jazz album of the 70’s

By: Island Steve

Island Steve — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 04:53:04 +0000

Love your posts Al.

Farewell to Jim…particularly loved Concierto…and of course, Intermodulation….always amazes me what our culture deems “awesome” ….RIP Jim…you are always on my turntable…!!

By: Mike J (NZ)

Mike J (NZ) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:33:41 +0000

If there was any truth to that “Downbeat” issue happening, they must have put it behind them, as I know Sonny and Jim were great friends up until Jim’s passing.
Jim Hall, in my opinion, was one of the most underated and understated Jazz Guitarists of our time.
I am listening to Intermodulation with Bill Evans and Jim Hall on Verve at present; a wonderful collaboration between these two along with the album Undercurrent.
R.I.P. Jim Hall

By: maarten kools

maarten kools — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 18:57:50 +0000

nice Legacy, nice ( jazz ) age…
my dessert jazz album still is Art Farmer ( & jim hall) – To sweden with love.. a beautiful intimate guitarist..

By: Gregory The Fish

Gregory The Fish — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:11:36 +0000

As a guitarist and occasional bassist myself, I am hosed for role models, as I am a devotee of the free/spiritual school.

Strata East had some great guitar albums. Albert Ayler made the blues guitar free on his Impulse LPs… but there isn’t much. I was pleased to discover the intricacy of Joe Pass several years back and after cuing up some Jim Hall thanks to this post and the magic of the internet, I may have found another more traditional player to add to my regular listening.