John Handy - Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival -1965

Back from the dead...
Originally posted September 30, 2012

John Handy - The Monterey Jazz Festival
Recording Date September 18, 1965

{Out of Print}

Soundboard Recording @256

John Handy's performance at the 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival was a sensation and arguably the high point of his career. The altoist, using a quintet that included violinist Michael White, guitarist Jerry Hahn, bassist Don Thompson, and drummer Terry Clarke (all of whom were young unknowns at the time), played two lengthy songs: the 27-minute "If Only We Knew" and "Spanish Lady," which lasts a mere 19 and a half minutes. After a brief theme, "If Only We Knew" mostly features unaccompanied solos. Handy's opening statement immediately quieted the crowd, which was amazed by the altoist's courage and the logic of the advanced yet tonal music. "Spanish Lady" also has a long Handy statement and builds up to a very exciting conclusion. Even over three decades later, the music sounds fresh, colorful, and innovative. ~Scott Yanow

One of the greatest live performances ever, it belongs in every jazz lover's library. I was lucky enough to be there, and heard the group, then unheralded, perform that day. This recording captures the spirit of the music perfectly. It presages many later developments in music, fusion, complex multilayered rhythms, and is a stunning performance! ~R. Ornstein

Terry Clarke - Guitar (Electric)
John Handy - Sax (Alto)
Don Thompson - Bass (Acoustic)
Michael White - Violin (Electric)

 

Track List:
1 If Only We Knew Handy 26:58
2 Spanish Lady Handy 19:34


Monterey '65

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Sally Duberson - Playboy Playmate January 1965