Jimmy Heath Centennial Celebration with Jeb Patton & David Wong

Jimmy Heath would likely give a wry smile at the thought that his 100th birthday might be overshadowed by the centennial celebrations for Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Hailing from one of jazz’s most distinguished families, Heath was both universally esteemed by his peers and, at times, underappreciated — particularly when it came to his prowess on the tenor saxophone (he was also formidable on flute and soprano sax).

His success as an arranger and composer — he wrote at least a half-dozen standards, including “Gingerbread Boy,” “Gemini,” “C.T.A.,” and “For Minors Only” — meant that he never quite received his full due as an improviser. Pianist Jeb Patton and veteran bassist David Wong experienced the creative intensity of Heath’s horn firsthand as members of the Heath Brothers band alongside drummer Tootie Heath. Both have led distinguished careers accompanying masters who came of age in the 1940s, including drum legend Roy Haynes, saxophone great George Coleman, and alto powerhouse Charles McPherson. They co-lead this celebration of Jimmy Heath’s music — tunes that helped define the hard-bop era.

Jeb Patton Website

Personnel:

• Jeb Patton, piano
• David Wong, bass
• Additional personnel TBA