1st Annual KPFK Hero Awards and Tribute: Billy Higgins@Catalina’s 05.01.11
By George W. Harris

I’m not sure which was more crowded at Catalina’s, the floor filled with tables of well-heeled jazz devotees, or the stage with musicians whose lives were touched by the musicianship and friendship of the late Billy Higgins, the subject of KPFK’s tribute. Hosed by the indefatigable team of Leroy Downs and Mark Maxwell, and directed by pianist John Beasley, the 3+ hour musical extravaganza included auctions, video, taped and written tributes by fellow musicians, and a rotating concert that appealed to every musical taste.

Presentations included a video tribute by Cedar Walton, a call in by Bobby Hutcherson and an email from Ornette Coleman, while the music focused on the friendship and inspirational encouragement provided by the respected drummer. John Beasley commented how Higgins told him, “you’ve got to smile more often,” while pianist Eric Reed reflected that he was taught that “It’s your job to make everyone else sound good.”
Musically, it’s pretty hard to beat having Charles Llloyd delivering an a cappella reading, or delivering a duet with drummer/vocalist John Densmore. Vocalist Kamau Daaood delivered an inspiring poem about Higgins, mixing names of drummers with quotes from the Bible, while Smitty Smith laid down some serious stick work. It was definitely a night for drummers, as Clayton Cameron elicited some astonishing brushwork supporting Kenny Burrell, Reed and Trevor Ware on a pair of scintillating tunes dedicated to Higgins. Reed’s piano work got the crowd into a Pentecostal mood with some spirit filled chords.

The front line of Charles Owens/ts, Phil Ranelin/tb and Richard Grant/tp delivered some classic hard bopping in front of Smith’s shuffle rhythms, preceding Will Calhoun, who mixed his synthesized djembe an d synthesized flute with an avalanche of drumwork behind the traps. Beasley and Daaood joined into the excitement, with some of the adventurous spirit creating some of the most outside music of the evening.

George Duke teamed up with Stanley Clarke and drummer Ronald Bruner Jr for some catchy fireworks, particularly on a dreamy take of “Autumn Leaves,”while vocalist Dwight Trible followed by joining with Beasley, Ware, Dextor Story and Leon Mobley for some musical exuberance. Mobley’s riveting solo spot lead into a collective jam with just about everyone from the preceding hours, making a perfect cherry on the top for a delicious Sundae performance. If this is the portend of events to come from KPFK, count me in!