Re: Bassist James "Beans" Richardson ..

[OneJazzQueen]

Hi Guys I need some help with Uncle!! Even if it's just to say hello!! Or if you know some old Lions that could send greetings please FEEL FREE TO PASS ON THE WORD!!

Hi my name is Michele Richardson. James "Beans" Richardson, well-renowned bassist, is my uncle. He is 90 years old. Still lives in Detroit .. has been a resident since the '40's, originally from New Orleans. His brother, my dad, is/was Rodney Richardson. He died 4 years ago at the age of 88. We say he was a full set of piano keys!

A little bit about my uncle though .. some of the highlights:
When Aretha Franklin first started out she had a jazz trio. My uncle was her bass player for 3 years and is on 3 of her first albums. He worked with Motown for a while, though I don't have all the details. Charles McPherson used to hang outside the "Bluebird" (not sure of the spelling) where the group my uncle lead played be-bop. Thad Jones was a member of that group and Charles was a mere boy of 9 or 10 years old! I had the honor of meeting Charles a few years ago when he performed for one of our concerts.

I'm wondering if you would be interested in having Uncle Beans speak to your organization 'cause he sure has some good stories to tell! He's been a pro since he was a teen. His cousin is the world-renowned opera diva Leontyne Price. He grew up with James Moody and Ed Thipgen (who as you know recently passed away). My dad played with Clark Terry, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Basie, Ellington, Billie, Sarah, Ella, Carmen McRae, Nat King Cole, Miles, Monk, Dizzy, Oscar Peterson, James Moody, Ed Thigpen, etc. So you see there really is much for my uncle to share!!!

Please let me know what you think .. if you might be interested in "coffee and conversation" or a lecture? We're not looking for a fee .. we're looking for a way to share his knowledge with those who would appreciate it .. before he's unable to do so.

Sincerely,
Michele Richardson
The Richardson Heritage Jazz & Arts Institute
Modesto, CA
209-230-4807

[billyfalconer]

This should be in the Bassists forum.

[REAPER52]

Thats cool .Maybe it would be good for you to start, if you havent already, recording him -get it down on tape . I wish i had done that with some of my old family members.once its gone its gone . and these old cats had some great stories.

[Bass Barrister]

Michele,

Thanks for sharing this information with us. I can speak only for myself but I would very interested in hearing from your uncle about his experiences.

I would offer these suggestions:

1. Double Bassist Jason Heath has an ongoing series of podcasts, entitled "Contrabass Conversations", where he conducts ind depth interviews with a variety of bassists. His contact info can be found further down in the sub-forum lists.

2. You also should contact the International Society of Basists (ISB). They sponsor a conventions every two years that features and attracts all genres of bass players. Unfortunately, the most recent ISB was last year so there won't be another one until sometime in 2011. The ISB also publishes a magazines that is issed four times each year.

I'm sure others will chime in.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Bass Barrister

1. Double Bassist Jason Heath has an ongoing series of podcasts, entitled "Contrabass Conversations", where he conducts ind depth interviews with a variety of bassists. His contact info can be found further down in the sub-forum lists.

Excellent idea!

[reedo35]

I think a Podcast would be the best way to reach the greatest number of people easily.