Karl Jones

Earliest musical recollections are late 50's pop on the hi-fi, car radio and tv. Live music was supplied primarily by a father on trumpet who would try and carry on a few chops from the highschool and college bands/ marching days. Chicago Trad Jazz to Sousa was the main focus, lps played most often and loudest might be Al Hirt. Messed around upstairs with the old floor model and the pre-war hillbilly 78's. Dont get me wrong, Patti Page and Lawrence Welk were well loved and hours were spent trying to sing along with Mitch but they were just a Beatles primer. Played alto sax in grade and middle schools with private instruction, no possession by Charlie Parker occurred. The best rock of mid 60's toward the beginning of the 70's was incredibly exciting and still remains firm in the heart. Fear of marching at half time required the alto's resignation. End of highschool saw some electric bass playing and singing, ouch. Came to Philly in '74 for to go to art school and Bowie somehow morphed into Pink Anderson thanks to a once real XPN. A guitar was now part of the dress code and getting to one chord from another was no longer like contemplating a chasm. Country blues led to private instruction with Jack McGann; onto swing. Parker, Miles and Coltrane led to theory instruction with Philly alto player Steve Marcucci and a groping for modern sounds. Coltane and Wayne were as strong as Led Zep. Thats by '84 but life required a 13 year bail out from music, one cant do everything, one can still paint. Life required a return to guitar 10 years ago and am still groping. My thoughts and prayers are always with my sidemen, you folks will get through this dont worry. So many tunes, concepts, so little time.

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