Mark Turner Needs Our Positive Thoughts - Hand Surgery

[Kevin Bresnahan]

This was posted on another Jazz discussion board a few days ago. I was waiting to see if any Jazz Corner denizens might post more up to date info but rather than wait, I figured I'd post this.

From Aaron Parks...

"Hello all,

I'm sure that everyone is awaiting the results of this monumentally important election. Hopefully it all goes well, and we will have the chance to begin some of the changes that this country so desperately needs.

I'm afraid I have some sobering news to share, though, about one of my friends, someone who is an inspiration to countless musicians, a true genius, and a beautiful spirit: Mark Turner.

A few minutes ago, I received a text message from Kurt Rosenwinkel informing me that Mark severely cut two of his fingers with a power saw, and is in the hospital awaiting surgery tomorrow morning. They will be trying to reattach nerves, tendons, and arteries. With luck, the surgery will be successful, and he will eventually regain the use of his injured fingers. It'll be no less than 6 months of rehab, though.

I asked Kurt whether I should keep it quiet or not, and he told me it would be okay to blog about it and get as much positive energy sent in Mark's direction as possible right now, especially until tomorrow's surgery is finished. So, everyone, please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers tonight, and tomorrow morning. My heart is hurting as I imagine the pain that they must be going through right now.

There's not much more I can say. I'm having a difficult time imagining what kind of silver lining can be found in a senseless accident of this kind. Let's just hope that everything heals, that his recovery is speedy, and that he'll soon regain full command of his instrument and will be once again creating those moments of transcendent musical beauty, in the way that he always so uniquely does."

[Paul B]

There's an extensive discussion of this at SOTW, probably best to go there for updates.

[Gary Sisco]

Well, i know how that feels. sorry to hear it and hope he recovers use.

[Mike Schwartz]

Played from one of his CD's on the show earlier this morning, as well as best wishes.....

[relyles]

There's an extensive discussion of this at SOTW, probably best to go there for updates.

What is SOTW?

[Paul B]

What is SOTW?

Sax on the Web (http://saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/index.php), a forum for horn players.

[tippy]

That’s extremely harsh. Best wishes especially for a full recovery.

[hornplayer]

OUCH! I have had microsurgery to reattach flexor tendons and the ulnar nerve in my right pinky. Its a looooong healing process. I hope he has an excellent hand specialist looking after him.

I had an excellent outcome.

Prayers for his full recovery.

[gonzo]

best wishes to you mark. one of my favorites.

[Bill Barton]

My thoughts are with Mark Taylor. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Ouch! Helluva way to spend a birthday!

[Tom Storer]

Looks like he's back! Turner played on the latest album by French pianist Baptiste Trotignon, and, along with Tom Harrell, will be playing three concerts in France with Trotignon in March. Another concert with Trotignon is scheduled for May. I'll be seeing them at the New Morning in Paris on March 10.

Check out the upcoming shows list on Trotignon's MySpace page.

[Gary Sisco]

Incredible. I did one finger late October and I still don't have use of it and can't make a fist yet with my left hand.

[Tom Storer]

Anyway, Mark Turner was on stage playing last night as advertised, and you wouldn't have known that his hand is sore except for the occasional discreet rub he gave it. When offstage he wore a glove on his left hand.

But he played beautifully, and so did Tom Harrell, on flugelhorn. The two had a lovely sound together. Mostly compositions by the leader, Baptiste Trotignon, who is a very able, conservatory-trained pianist, a fluid soloist and excellent accompanist (played some gorgeous things behind Harrell's solos). Bass and drums very good as well.

The first set was tunes from Trotignon's recent album, "Share," and the second set was a freshly composed suite. With any luck they'll record it. They played a standard whose name I couldn't recall as an encore, swinging not too fast, and the horns really did it. In all, a beautiful concert, even better than I'd expected.

[relyles]

Thank you for the report Tom. I just ordered Share the other day. Looking forward to giving it a listen.

[Gary Sisco]

Incredible. More power to him!

[Valerie]

what a wonderful report to read about Mark!

i wish the same for Gary, of course!

[Gary Sisco]

Well, me, too, but I have doubts. In my injury, the bones were crushed, so not as clean an amputation as a saw would make. I don't have any flex yet in the last joint before the finger tip and less than half in the middle joint.

[Tom Storer]

Turner didn't actually lose any fingers. They were cut but not severed.

[BradleyDalton]

Hi

A few minutes ago, I received a text message from Kurt Rosenwinkel informing me that Mark severely cut two of his fingers with a power saw, and is in the hospital awaiting surgery tomorrow morning. They will be trying to reattach nerves, tendons, and arteries. With luck, the surgery will be successful...... and i thank u

[Tom Storer]

Hey, that Mark Turner just doesn't have any luck.

[James Lee]

Hey, that Mark Turner just doesn't have any luck.

I literally jumped for joy when one of my jazz flyers arrived in the mail announcing a performance from trio Fly here in SoCal in mid-April. Me and my jazz buds will be all over this one.

Good luck on your recovery, Gary. Like most guys, I've had "close call" hand injuries but never anything I didn't recover from. Best wishes and warm thoughts.

[Gary Sisco]

Thanks.