As we continue our reverence to the memory of Herb Ellis, enjoy this recently discovered impromptu interview from 1985 with Herb in Bozeman, Montana at a local bustling 24 hour cafe on 7th Avenue, as they await dinner following a performance at The Baxter Hotel Ballroom that featured Ellis with Kelly Roberti and Brad Edwards . Conducted by Dr. Ray Pratt, of Montana State University, founder of the Bozeman Blues and Jazz Society and life long jazz advocate.

Listen in as Herb casually responds to a range of questions, from his Texas roots and early musical endevors to his thoughts on Charlie Christian, his education, beginnings in the jazz scene, those he worked with over the years, what jazz music means, playing standards, composing, and more in this 20+ minute recording that ends all too abruptly but sheds a warm and objective light onto his life experiences.

Upon hearing Charlie Parker for the first time..

“It was the biggest musical shock I had ever experienced, because I had never heard anything like that. It was devastating, it was awesome, to hear a man play like that..”

Thanks to R. Platt for sharing this jazz treasure from his personal archives.

20 years have slipped by somehow..
but the music continues to blossom and inspire.

On this day, in private thoughts and memories full of Em, take comfort in new sounds starting with her impassioned rendering of Blue In Green, followed by a rare and precious four song Solo set from the same live performance in Great Falls, Montana – (Thank You K. Roberti), then span the globe and end with a rousing encore from the Berlin JazzFestival with astounding vibraphonist, David Friedman.

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The day belongs to Emily.

Listen to the complete Great Falls performance Here, over 2 1/2 amazing hours worth.

Emily’s mentor, friend and inspiration, the venerable jazz guitarist Herb Ellis passed away yesterday, March 30th at the age of 88.

Today we are ” Herb Heavy ” in our hearts as we look back to his influence and music on the world of jazz. He is remembered by those that knew him best as,

Read the full story at these links:

The New York Times
The Washington Post
NPR Jazz
All About Jazz

In his memory, once again take delight in this 1983 recording of Emily and Herb in Amsterdam and savor the sweet exchanges of two lovely guitars now joined in Club Paradise.

Nineteen Years Gone

May 4th marked the 19th year since we lost Emily. I have yet to find an appropriate way to recognize or even reconcile this date. It is still a difficult and deeply emotional anniversary. What I can say is thanks to many of you who have expressed your thoughts both in private and public, for the enduring spirit and memory of Emily. She is always with us.

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Photo by Anthony Brennan