Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Gil Coggins was born Alvin Gilbert Coggins on August 23, 1928 in New York City of West Indian heritage and started playing piano at an early age. He attended The High School of Music and Art in Harlem and also school in Barbados.

In 1946, Coggins met Miles Davis while stationed in Missouri and after his discharge he began playing piano professionally, working with Davis on several of his Blue Note and Prestige releases. He also recorded with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Lester Young, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Ray Draper and Jackie McLean.

Coggins gave up playing jazz professionally in 1954 and took up a career in real estate, playing music only occasionally. He did not record as a leader until 1990, when Interplay Records released “Gil’s Mood”. He continued performing through the 190s and into the new millennium. On February 15, 2004 pianist Gil Coggins passed away from complications sustained in a car crash eight months earlier in Forest Hills, New York. His second album recorded as a leader, “Better Late Than Never”, was released posthumously in 2007 on the Smalls Records label.

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Oscar Perez was born on August 21, 1974 in Queens, New York City and from the age of seven he has been expressing himself on a piano. Raised on his father’s Cuban folk music, his piano lessons and playing in the church band made his commitment to the music his life before the ninth grade. Attending LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, jazz would take him on his musical and personal journey.

He studied with Robert Harris of Juilliard and Edgar Roberts of New York University before matriculating through the University of North Florida. Under the American Music Scholarship, he studied with jazz pianists Harry Pickens and Kevin Bales,  and it was here that he began composing for small group and big band. He went on to study with Danilo Perez at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, weekend gigging in New York City, and a Master’s Degree at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in New York under the guidance of Sir Roland Hanna. While studying composition and arranging with Phillip Michael Mossman, he got many writing and arranging opportunities.

By his early twenties he was sharing the stage with Bunky Green, George Russell, Curtis Fuller and George Garzone and has played with Wycliffe Gordon, Christian McBride, Eddie Allen, Mike Lee, Steve Turre, Dave Stryker, Melissa Walker, Phoebe Snow and Charenee Wade. With saxophonist Adrian Cunningham he recorded Professor Cunningham And His Old School.

He was appointed music director for St Edward’s Church in Harlem, and the accompanist for the Nightingale/Bamford Gospel Choir. He recorded his debut CD Nuevo Comienzo in 2016 with his quintet, Afropean Affair, featuring guest artists trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

As an educator and performer he has taught and played at the Kupferberg Center at Queens College, the Juilliard School, Jazz Connections Camp at Montclair St. University, Carnegie Hall, the New York Pops, JazzHouse Kids and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He received the 2006 ASCAP/IAJE Commission in honor of Billy Strayhorn and premiered the work at the 2007 International Association of Jazz Education Convention. He was a finalist in the 2014 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. Pianist Oscar Perez continues to compose, perform and record.

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HERBIE HANCOCK

Herbie Hancock Celebrates Miles Davis Centennial

This concert features some of the biggest names in jazz, including two of Miles’ former bassists—Ron Carter, who was a member of the legendary Miles Quintet with Herbie, as well as Marcus Miller, who produced Miles’ electric band classic, Tutu, Grammy winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, former Miles Davis saxophonist Kenny Garrett, esteemed bassist Christian McBride, and conductor, arranger Vince Mendoza. All told, that’s 45 Grammys on one stage honoring an absolute titan of music.

The program will feature music from throughout Miles’ career, including his collaborations with Gil Evans on the landmark albums Miles Ahead and Porgy and Bess, as well as a reimagining of his iconic late ’60s quartet and his fusion era.

Tickets: $39.00 ~ $759 (fee included)

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JOE ALTERMAN

Joe Alterman returns to Eddie’s Attic for one night only!!!

Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naivete, with a broad smile and bright eyes that make you feel welcome. One would not guess that this is a man hailed by greats; Ramsey Lewis describes his piano playing as ‘a joy to behold’, Les McCann states ‘As a man and musician he is already a giant’. Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman’s albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JALC albums, calling one of Joe’s columns “one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I’ve ever read, and I’m not exaggerating.”

Cover: $32.26

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Requisites

Central Avenue Reunion ~ Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, Albert “Tootie” Heath | By Eddie Carter

It’s wonderful to be back with you all after some time away to recuperate from two surgeries earlier this month. This morning’s album from the library, Central Avenue Reunion (Contemporary Records C-14057) spotlights two of my favorite artists, Art Farmer and Frank Morgan. Recorded live in 1989 over two memorable nights at Kimball’s East, it reunites Art Farmer on both flugelhorn (tracks: A2, A3, A4, B1) and trumpet (A1, B3), and Frank Morgan on alto saxophone (A1, A2, A4, B1 to B3). An outstanding rhythm section joins them: Lou Levy on piano, Eric Von Essen on bass, and Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums. I own the 1990 U.S. stereo release.

The set opens with Star Eyes by Gene De Paul and Don Raye. Art sets the solos in motion on muted trumpet, leading the group through the relaxing melody. Frank takes flight first with a spirited solo that’s crisp and precise. Art takes the second statement with smooth efficiency. Lou takes a cheerfully appealing turn, and Eric follows with a short walk towards the restatement of the theme. Farmer’s Market by Art Farmer takes off at a fast gallop for the quintet’s opening ensemble. Frank gets right down to business first, then Art sustains the momentum with passionate fire next. Lou follows with a vigorous statement, then all the soloists share a brisk exchange before the closing ensemble comes to a dead stop.

Art and the trio pay homage to George and Ira Gershwin with Embraceable You, opening with a gorgeous melody. Art begins with the first of two exceptionally gentle interpretations, showing off his sentimental side. Lou follows with a short solo filled with warmth and sensitivity. Art returns with a thoughtfully graceful reading, leading back to the soothing theme. Blue Minor by Sonny Clark brings the ensemble back for a medium-tempo melody. Frank sets the pace with a wailing opening statement. Art takes the wheel next and continues with a jubilant reading. Lou has the last word and neatly wraps up the solos before the theme returns.

I Remember You by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer begins with Lou’s lovely introduction, which segues into the quintet’s lively melody. Art is in top form first, with a good-hearted swing. Frank works out a few intriguing ideas next, then Lou’s piano flows like cool water in a relaxing river stream. Art and Frank share a brief conversation into the closing chorus. Don’t Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields is a beautiful ballad from the thirties that begins elegantly, with Frank and the rhythm section’s melody moving like a couple’s Sunday evening stroll. He continues approaching the song’s only solo from the heart, anchored by the trio’s subtle support, into a gorgeous reprise and ending.

Sonny Clark’s Cool Struttin’ brings the set to a close with the ensemble’s collective midtempo theme, setting a good tone. Lou comes in first and skillfully navigates the rhythm section. Art takes the next spot on muted trumpet with carefree enthusiasm. Frank sparkles next with steady sureness, and Eric delivers a delightful finale before the group’s theme restatement earns the audience’s approval. Helen Keane produced Central Avenue Reunion. Danny Kopelson managed the recording console, and George Horn mastered the album. The sound quality is exceptional, placing the listener in the audience as the musicians perform.

If you’re searching for an exhilarating hard-bop live session to listen to after a long day, evening, or week, I invite you to join Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, and Albert “Tootie” Heath for a Central Avenue Reunion the next time you’re out record shopping. It’s a lively, spirited performance of standards and originals, with thoughtful arrangements and inspired solos that offers many hours of listening enjoyment and shouldn't be missed for a spot in your library!

~Donna Lee, Don’t Blame Me, Embraceable You, I Remember You, Star Eyes – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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