Tuesday, November 11, 2008

WORD FROM TEDDY CHARLES , Vibist.
En route to the Netherlands
, my friend of many years, Teddy Charles, called on the cell to tell me he had left his home on Long Island for Europe. A Concert tour of Paris, and the Netherlands,including the most prestigious Jazz Festival in Europe, had materialised, and he and his trusty Deagan vibes were on their way to set the world on fire again! With him are his hand picked Band from NY.

There is a tremendous interest in his music, and he has been in the Studios in NY recording a lot. He even recorded with Teo Macero a couple of weeks before Macero died.TC is a brilliant genius, and founder along with Mingus of the Avant Garde Jazz Movement in the world. Changed Jazz FOREVER. Changed the way we think of our instruments, and ourselves.

My group "Suezenne Fordhm Chamber JazzL is directly inspired by Teddy, as he was a close friend and teacher, helping me to clear my ears and see beyond what the others were doing...In addition toVibes, he played piano, and in return for Vibes and harmony lessons, I gave him lessons in piano tecnic, as I was a student at the time at the Juilliard, and had some great chops.{still do.}

A cat with a terrific sense of humor, and delving mind into all things intellectual, he was for many years the owner of the Schooner "The Mary E" until his real love, music called him back. He sold her, and gave his s0ul to his music wholeheartedly again, though the "business" of music Bugs him [still.]

Godspeed, Old Friend, and in spite of your fears, this is NOT the end,you'll be safe, it is just the beginning.

SUEZENNE
SUEZENNE FORDHAM CHAMBER JAZZ LA

I wish you the best, my friend, and safe travels, and i know how leery you are of planes, BUT if you are who YOU are, do it, and live up to your legacy... there many thousands out there who are waiting to hear what an 80 year old genius can do .SHOW THEM!!! Don't worry, you'll be safe.
God Love you.

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