Wynton Kelly was the first *great* jazz pianist I heard in a "live" performance. The year was 1962, the band, . . . the Miles Davis Sextet. Unforgettable!

All six men on that stage were consummate musicians, each of whom enjoyed continued critical acclaim after their stint with Miles, including Wynton. In fact, he took the other two members of that rhythm section (Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb) with him to form his trio. I've been listening to his trio and sextet recordings, along with his work with Miles all morning.

What a swinging, understated pianist. He's absolutely infectious to my ears. I can't help but wonder what else we would have to enjoy if Wynton and countless other jazz legends had lived just a bit longer. He didn't even reach his 40th birthday. What a shame!

Happy Birthday, Wynton Kelly.

Did you see Miles' sextet in Boston, Ron? Was it J.J. and Hank Mobley along with Miles in the front line?

I love Wynton Kelly, too. The records with Wes are favorites, and I like the Joe Henderson CDs that came out a few years ago documenting a '68 gig in Baltimore with that famous rhythm section.

>>Did you see Miles' sextet in Boston, Ron?<<

No, Steve, but I was on my way to Boston to attend Berklee at the time, actually. I saw them in Washington D.C. at the old Howard Theatre. They were the headliners (obviously), in a big lineup which included Moms Mabley, Oscar Brown, Jr., a *very* young Aretha Franklin, and the Jimmy Smith Trio. Cost--$1.00.

>>Was it J.J. and Hank Mobley along with Miles in the front line?<<

Exactly!