milt_jackson

Melbourne pianist Bob Sedergreen has just published a memoir, Hear Me Talking to Ya, about some of his experiences on the jazz scene.

Andra Jackson, in The Age, lends an ear.

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Jazz great Dizzy Gillespie might have wowed the audience when he played Dallas Brooks Hall in 1977, but local pianist Bob Sedergreen was less than enchanted during the pre-concert rehearsal.

When Gillespie heard the music he was to solo, he said: “That’s in 7/4 measure, I don’t want to count that. Have your drummer play on one for me, solid on the bass drum, I ain’t counting nothing.”

During more than 40 years as a musician, Sedergreen has backed some of America’s top jazz musicians.

With a dash of the devilish humour that can characterise his playing, Sedergreen spills the beans in his newly released book, Hear me Talking to Ya.

In a series of recollections, he reveals the hidden sides to some of the most feted jazz players.

One of the worst things a band leader or headline guest musician can do to accompanying musicians is not tell them what key they will be playing in until the very last minute – and then make it a difficult key.

America’s Modern Jazz Quartet vibes player Milt Jackson did just that on his Australian tour with a local band that included Sedergreen.

Calling the tune Lover Man at the start of their set, a cantankerous Jackson held up five fingers. No, he didn’t want Sedergreen to play in 4/5 time. “Nah, five flats,” he instructed.

Read the full article on The Age website.

Hear me Talking to Ya (Melbourne Press), $24.95 is available from bookshops or at raeseds@ozemail.com.au.
Photo: Milt Jackson by Lou Jones


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Hash Varsani is the owner of The Jazz Directory, a network of sites related to jazz, travel and everything else he loves. He also runs a selection of jazz related sites including Jazz Club Jury, a jazz club and festival review site. Check out his Google+ Profile, to see what else he's up to...probably setting up another website from one of his many passions.

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