Don released his self titled solo album on Arista Records in 1982 and he had a further release on Expansion records titled Listen in 2002. Don was a unique talent, he was soulful, cool and captivating. He was known to be charming when you were ever in his company and his music was made with the sole purpose to move you.
Don entertained audiences both young and old and they enjoyed his versatility and ability to naturally entertain. He travelled the world with his fantastic band, and continued to do so, with regular visits to the UK where he played to sell-out crowds at London's Jazz cafe.
The sad news was confirmed by his daughter earlier today.
Don was a hero to all us Jamaica Queens NY Kats both as a Jazz Musician, Jamaica Funk Pioneer and mentor. He exposed so many of us young heads to Jazz in jams at the Clubs like the Village Door on New York Blvd and others. In many ways he represents a branch of the keyboard lineage which might read Weldon Irvine> Don Blackmon> Denzil Miller >Bernard Wright. There are countless musicians and others who had the benefit of his enormous gift of music and brilliant mind. RIP
ReplyDelete