Re: [Harp-L] From Monk to Steve Lacy, 1960

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Winslow wrote:
> Dang - Did Lacy write these down and compile them over time? It's such a 
> concentrated hit of wit and wisdom!

Wish I knew.

Monk story, a lesson for musicians, but no specific harp content.  (Play 
harp while reading.)

I occasionally work with the wonderful bassist Putter Smith.  It's his story.

Back in the early 70's Bill Cosby funded Monk's bass player to some college 
courses, so Monk temporarily needed a bassist, and he heard Putter and 
hired him for a gig in LA.  Putter said it was one of the great experiences 
of his life, and it lasted, I believe, a few weeks.  Then Monk went back to 
NYC.

Putter then got an offer from John Mayall to do an Australian tour.  Then 
Monk called and asked him to do a few weeks in Seattle with him on the same 
calendar days, for much less money.  Putter had two little kids so he told 
his wife he had to take the Mayall gig.  His wife told him to take the Monk 
gig.  She said the bread from the Mayall gig would be gone soon enough, but 
the memories of Monk would last a lifetime.

He took the Mayall gig.  He had a fine time with Mayall, but he has 
regretted not having those Monk weeks ever since.

Extra story, even less harp-related.  While playing the LA gig with Monk, a 
movie producer saw Putter and hired him to play the villain in Diamonds Are 
Forever with Sean Connery as Agent 007.  He had never acted before, but he 
turned in a fine performance.

K