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George V. Johnson Interview by Eric Nemeyer
JI: Can you talk about what it is about the music of Hank Mobley that attracted you to write lyrics to some 40 of his songs?
COMMENTS ARE WELCOME...
Hope to see you at Harlem's Historic "MINTONS PLAYHOUSE"
Saturday, May 31st. - 10:00 pm. Details below:
SOUL STATION The Music of Hank Mobley @ Minton's Playhouse Sat May 31 (view more)
GJ: What attracted me to the music of Hank Mobley was his swinging, soulful energy as well as his melodic and lyrical approach. I fell in love with his music the first moment I heard the compositions "Soul Station" and "Dig Dis." He was definitely one of the most lyrical saxophonists in Jazz. When I listen to Hank Mobley I feel like he's actually taiking to me in conversation. It's like a friend I've been knowing all my life. I can feel his soul, spirit and the notes he plays sound like actual words. Note for note, he reminds me of an orator telling a story with his horn. There were moments when I was in tears while writing lyrics to his music....
JI: Would you talk about your association with James Moody?
GJ: I first James Moody at a tribute to the late Eddie Jefferson at Carnegie Hall, NYC back in late 1979, a few months after I moved to New York. May 9th 1979 Eddie was tragically killed while leaving Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan. ...James Moody grabbed me by the arm and said to me, "Be at Sweet Basil's at 10:00 PM that night as my special guest." I didn't know it at the time, but at this performance Moody was going to pay tribute to Eddie Jefferson as well. I kept on the same outfit and arrived at the club a few hours later.... Click here to read the entire interview with George V. Johnson.
www.eastoftherivertravel.com
