Hi friends,
First I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to read my first post https://steemit.com/life/@guitarlots/jim-galante-the-unknown-jazz-giant ... Thank you so much for giving Jim Galante's music a chance to reach the world. He would be so happy to know that his life's work is starting to reach people on the internet. Jim was a very humble person and he was a genius when it came to piano, but he was also a very proficient flamenco guitarist. Unfortunately his life was cut short and he was never able to create more music for us to treasure.
Now the story continues. As I posted last time it was Pat O'Connor who introduced me to Jim. They had a long history together as both of their families were well connected in Hollywood and the music industry. I had been trying to get in touch with Pat for a year now and his phone was disconnected. So today I drove by his apartment in Valley Village and buzzed his neighbor and asked if Pat was still there. The answer ladies and gentlemen was yes.
As I walked up to his apt. I spoke thru the slats in the window and said, "Pat O'Connor it's Lawson Ward." At first he said something and then did a double take and said "Oh my God, Lawson? Lawson is that you? I have been thinking about you."
He opened the door and we gave each other a big hug. We spent the afternoon talking about old memories and I watched him fumble through his jazz chords on guitar and then I played a few songs for him. I let Pat hear Jim's music from my youtube channel GuitarLots on my smartphone and he started crying. He never had a copy and when he heard Jim play he just burst out into tears. You can bet that I am going to burn him a copy and drop it off next week.
Who is Pat O'Connor you might ask, well ... his Aunt was the famous Maureen O'Connor the famous singer who stared with Jackie Cooper in his greatest role "Boy From The Streets." She went on to have an incredible career in music and film. Here is a picture of Pat's beautiful Aunt
Here is another picture from the Hollywood Motion Picture Review from November 13th 1937
Here is a picture of Pat O'Connor from his younger years. I can only imagine Pat with his good looks and Jim with his tremendous sense of humor and piano skills back in the day. You can be sure that women were flocking to these guys left and right, and from what I know they were total chick magnets and very clean cut and polite.
Here is a picture of Pat playing his guitar in his apartment today
As we talked today it turned out that Pat was in the hospital for pneumonia and other health issues which were very serious back in February. We might have lost him too and I would have never known about it because Pat did not have my new cell number and his phone was disconnected for some reason.
As we said our goodbye I said, "I love you Pat" and he said "I love you too Lawson" and you can be sure I will be checking on Pat at least every two weeks from now on. When I got in my car I started thanking God for my dear friend and that he was ok. I had been praying on the way over there for God to please reunite us and was asking God to please let him be there because I had been concerned from the phone being disconnected.
Here is a picture of Jim Galante and Sam Most from their recording session on Jim's CD. It's the only picture I have of my friend!
So without further ado ... ladies and gentlemen I present the incomparable, legendary, extraordinary Jim Galante !!!
"This disc heralds both the Hale Bopp Comet and Be-Bop Music. It is my sincere hope that you enjoy listening to it as we did making It. - Jim Galante from the CD insert
"Sam's in great company on this one, these guys really cook!" - Chuck Niles
Jim Galante - Piano
A local Californian, has gigged extensively with musicians In and around the Los Angeles area. Working with such notables as Mike Romero, Albert Stinson, Nick Martinis, Tony Dumas, Sabu Martinez, and Chiz Harris. While working a number of Jazz venues Statewide.
Sam Most - Flute & Baritone Sax
Anyone who knows Jazz is aware of Sam. He has been called the premiere flutist of Jazz.
Of all the accolades given to Sam, one of the most powerful quotes is that of jazz critic Leonard Feather: "Justice should demand that the history books document Most's role as the first truly creative jazz flutist."
Sam is now receiving the recognition that has been long overdue. One of the real continuing fountainheads of modern jazz, he is one of the most consistently absorbing and creative of current masters of the flute and, not least of all, a composer of uncommon merit and originality!
Dennis Berger - Tenor
Tenor Player Dennis Berger considerable prowess could easily be called one of the best kept secrets in Jazz, and I feel that this recording should help facilitate a rise to a proper acknowledgement of his talent.
Musicians he has played with include drummer Mike Gutierrez, pianist Karen Hernandex, Ruben Estrada, Ted Hawke, and bassist Henry Franklin.
Kendall Kay - Drummer / Percussionist
Born in Durban, South America, Kendall arrived in Los Angeles in 1987 and has been playing and recording ever since.
His credits include Poncho Sanchez, Celia Coleman, Kenny Burrel, Kenny Drew Jr., Bobby Shew, Allan Broadbent, Frank Strazzeri, Bill Perkins, and many others.
Chris Symer - Bassist
A resident of Santa Barbara, Chris has worked with such luminaries as Roger Kellaway, Ramsey Lewis, Laurindo Almeida, and Charlie Byrd. He has also played with the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Hi spirited playing was a crucial part of the homogeny of this CD - Jim Galante
Here is a playlist of "Hail Be-Bopp" by Jim Galante
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUdgSQ07LKWSM5qvs-s-Xpn9FblQTUm_x
Thank you for taking the time to honor my friend. Sincerely, Lawson :-)