Added: Aug 20, 2008
From: JazzVideoGuy
Duration: 6:44
Dennis Irwin was one-of-a-kind, a man who profoundly touched everyone who crossed his path. This cinematic tribute, created by Bret Primack, includes the Joe Lovano Nonet from "New Morning: The Paris Concert," as well as video Bret shot at Joe's "Streams of Expression" recording session in December of 2005."Dennis left town on March 10, 2008," Bret explains, "the day of a Jazz at Lincoln Center benefit organized by his friends Joe Lovano and John Scofield. It was the third benefit for Dennis, following similar events at Small's, and the Village Vanguard. When the Jazz community learned of his life threatening illness, there was an immediate response, an unprecedented burst of love and support, both financial and spiritual. He was the sort of person who inspired that. In addition to being a world class bassist, his essential goodness, his easygoing nature, and laid back sense of humor made him a welcome presence in every situation. He will be missed, but never forgotten."Special Thanks to: Joe Lovano and the cats from Joe's Nonet: Barry Reiss, Larry Farrell, Steve Slagel, Ralph LaLama, Gary Smulyan, the late (and very much missed) John Hicks, and Lewis Nash. Check out the Video Liner Notes for the group's last recording: http://www.streamsofexpression.com
Channel: Music
Tags: bass bennett bret buckley dennis guy irwin jazz joe john lord lovano marsalis primack scofield tony video wynton
Rating: 4.98 (42 ratings) Views: 11838' favoriteCount='60 Comments: 34
trane1959 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Love him. Such an original with the feel of this walking bass line. I'm actually a trumpt player, but I remember doing a transcription of the trumpet solo from The Second Race off of the Definitive Thad Jones Volume 2 for jazz improv class in college and I couldn't do the transcription without writing out Dennis's four choruses of walking up front. The way he played, his lines became so much a part of the tune. The way he chopped up those walking lines is what helped me also become a bassist
timometzemakers Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Many, many thanks for posting this.
sweetmentaldisarray Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Hey. I'm Dennis's step daughter, once removed. His son Mike is my older brother. Thank you guys so much for all of your kind words. Its so amazing to see how loved he is in the jazz community and I'm so glad that I'm lucky enough to be his family. I always thought Dennis and I have had a sort of unspoken connection, the kind that us kooky-creative people have. He is such a huge part of my family.Pray for him and play for him. And once again, thank you.-Mariana
crayon2323 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - dennis checkout today in nyc.he will be missed
barnabass Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - We will miss you Dennis....One of the biggest,darkest,and grandest tones ever to walk the Earth.
jongordonmusic Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Bret, thanks for doing this. What a loss! What an amazing person and musician. One of a kind. His humility, generosity of spirit and humor were just gifts to the scene. Great to see his Lord Buckley stuff. And as great a quarter note feel as I ever heard. Thank you Dennis.
brewepau Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - When my, son, Matt Brewer (bass), began his journey as a jazz musician, Dennis became one of his most supportive elders. Matt got a private lesson from Dennis one time. Dennis later told me that he had hard time accepting money from us because of Matt's already superb ability. Matt would never have accepted that. His one lesson with Dennis meant so much to him - more than I think Dennis ever knew. Thank you, Dennis, for inspiring my son and for encouraging him to live his dream. Paul.
miphka66 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Dennis was one of a kind, both on and off the bandstand. As a friend said last night, "I was proud to know him, and privileged to work with him". My thoughts exactly! He always did what the best accompanists always do - when you played good, he made you sound great, and when you didn't sound good, he still made you sound great. All I can say is the world is a smaller, meaner place for not having Dennis in it. R.I.P. man.Mike Karn
Cymbalgroove Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - I've long admired Dennis and his music for many years. He played the bass exactly how I heard it and felt it. Great time, sound and big beat! He was a drummers dream to play with! RIP Dennis!Mike Melito
nrmlgrrl Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Well done Dennis!J
Bassphil Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - I can see God scratching his head at 4am and saying "So tell me again who Lord Buckley is???"See you soon Dennis.
richievitale Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Hey Ski . . . I guess Billie Holiday needed a bassist! Much love!
guitarducky Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Genius inspires genius, Doc
brewepau Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Thanks, young one.
n72mcvey Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - R.I.P.
Teosax718 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Dennis, I still remember that weekend at Visiones. You on bass, Karriem Riggins on drums, and Mulgrew Miller on piano. Swingin' from the first beat!!! God Bless your soul and I'll see you later...Teodross Avery
FlamingoReaper Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - ...Onto the next level, Dennis.gsessum
PeteCBass Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Thanks for posting. Dennis was one of the greats and will be sorely missed. RIP Ski.
nonblond97 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - hey i am dennis'step niece once removed i am related to sweetmentaldesseray thanks for all the kind words and everything it means lots
alithea1 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - I was blessed by Dennis when he agreed to play bass with me (hackin at that vibes as I were) to open this silly little club named Visiones one day after Thanksgiving in 1986, he was always reciting Lord Buckley talkin or playin ball, but most of all spreading more love than the average human being, it's always a shame when the sweet souls move on too soon...........Gust Tsilis
deangelico Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Great tribute to a wonderful Musician and a Beautiful Man.when I watch this I am reminded of the great chat we had in the Village Vanguard about the Goons. RIP Dennis you will be sadly missed
sbrownie Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - 'to swing or not to swing, that is the hangup'...indeed!R.I.P......
fodera6 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dennis for the first time at one of my gigs (I play bass in a few groups with his son). I was a bit nervous but I'll never forget his laid-back manner and seemingly-endless reservoir of wisdom. RIP Dennis. You are sadly missed.
jazzand Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - Hey Gust, I heard your vibes back then and they certainly weren't "hackin." I also got to play with Dennis a number of times and he was such a great cat to be around (and funny as hell when he and Ralph Lalama went at it.) Dennis still practiced clarinet and knew a lot about Tango as as well (he used to tell me cats to check out).I've got some video from a concert we did with Barry Harris, Ralph Lalama and Leroy Williams. I'll try to edit and post it.Dennis was THE cat. I miss him.
trane1959 Says:
Aug 20, 2008 - I'm so saddended by this. Dennis is such an idol to me. I remember eatting pizza outside of the Vanguard and being so star struck every time I saw him coming walking down &th avenue with his bass. He is the man.