[Dixielandjazz] Pedro Iturralde, introduction to Spanish jazz

[Jim Kashishian]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ich1Nc53acI&feature=related
This link will take you to a video of my good friend Pedro Iturralde.  Pedro
is without a doubt the the foremost jazzman in Spain.  His main horn is the
tenor sax, but here he can be seen/heard on clarinet.  This is quite modern,
so be forewarned!
 
Pedro is particularly known for being the first to play and record flamenco
songs in jazz.  I have been fortunate enough to have worked in Pedro's bands
in clubs & on recordings all these years (since 1967!), and he is a
delightful person and a great musician.
On piano is Manolo Diaz & on drums is Carlos Carli.  Carlos subbed for us
last nite!
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqh8iF0Twj4&feature=related
Here, Pedro dedicates his talents to those who came before him...you can
understand the names.  He menitions the importance of Dixieland in the
development of jazz.  He's always respected our band & has often sat in,
although as he says here he hasn't had much chance to play clarinet in
years.  Pedro's phrasing borders on the magical!  Be sure to stick with it
until at least you hear "I Got Rhythm"!
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dEloF_Xc0E&feature=related
"Anda Jaleo" with Pedro on tenor and Paco de Lucia on guitar.  If you don't
know about Paco, well here is your appetizer.  Pedro's brilliant phrasing
comes out smack in the middle of the main statement at the beginning.  Most
"normal" folk would take a healthy breath in the middle of that phrase, but
Pedro holds it over, sliding down nicely to the next note.  I mentioned it
to him once & he didn't even realize it was something special.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfJJZgNEk2A&feature=related
 
This one has Donna Hightower (now lives in Texas).  She formed a part of
Pedro's band in the late 1960's (I was on trombone!).  Donna is still
singing, but I believe is mainly into spirituals now.  That's Pedro on
tenor, and Horacio Icasto on piano.  We played together for a number of
years...midnite to 4 am, seven nites a week!
 
Enjoy.  Jim