Comments on: The Jazz Session #125: Harry Babasin

By: Von Babasin

Von Babasin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:39:35 +0000

Hi Kenny!

Thanks for all the kind words. Sorry to say, we still haven’t found those recordings but that doesn’t mean they’re not here, somewhere. I’ll continue to search once we have the financial ability to remaster these tapes.

When I started this journey 20 years ago, I would say that maybe one out of ten Jazz books even had a reference to Harry. Now, it’s about five out of ten, so I’m getting the history books rewritten…

I want him where he belongs, though, in ten out of ten!

Thanks again – keeping the dream alive!

Von

By: Kenny Hillman

Kenny Hillman — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:48:50 +0000

Hi again, Von!
My name is Kenny Hillman. I corresponded with you a few years ago, mentioning I played trumpet, along with Bud Brisboy on your Dad’s band, the Jazzpickers.
You might recall I asked if you had any of the recordings we made of the several Marty Paich arrangments which we recorded at Valley college, way back when? Your response was negative. I hope that might have changed?
I was the front line trumpet player on the tapes herein mentioned, and it sure would be nice if I could get my hands on them for my memoirs. Your response would be appreciated.
And I sure wouldn’t worry about the Bear being forgottern. Even though he was soft-spoken and didn’t brag about his accomplishments, he was a giant in what he did. I’ve always held s deep respect for him. And always will! Playing with the Jazzpickers was a highlight in my musical career.
Thanks Von, and continued success in your venture.
As ever, Kenny Hillman

By: Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:02:02 +0000

Thanks, Chris! Glad to have you along for the ride.

By: Von Babasin

Von Babasin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:23:20 +0000

Nita and Chris!!!! Thanks for your kind words towards my father. What a journey it’s been! Nearly two decades for the jazz museum and the documentary is closing in on four years now, but it’s the most rewarding journey I’ve ever been on. The pieces of my father’s story that I’ve put together in that time is incredible – the people I’ve talked to – those who have shown support – from every corner of the globe – it shows how truly international his impact still is… it’s truly humbling…

And Jason, thanks for what you’re doing for jazz… thanks for including my dad’s legacy in your archives.

By: Chris Burnett

Chris Burnett — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0000

@Jason – another great show. Thanks again for the great work that you are doing to support artists and the music, man!

@Von – CONGRATULATIONS to you for the work you have been doing ever since I have known you (circa 1999) to preserve and promote your great father. If there is ever anything that I can do, let me know and please stay do in touch.

Peace, Cb

By: Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:09:40 +0000

Thanks so much, Nita. Von is doing great work on behalf of his dad’s legacy.

All the best,

Jason

By: Nita Hope

Nita Hope — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:22:37 +0000

Jason, thanks so much for airing this interview about one of the most important bassists in jazz history. I’ve been fortunate enough to know Von through a common commercial enterprise. As a jazz singer (among other genres), I know how vital a good bassist is (honestly, can we survive without one?) and Von’s dad’s contribution cannot be emphasized enough. Watching Von struggle to literally bring his father’s work to public life has been educational for me, both heartbreaking and thrilling. I only hope more will hear about this project and investigage Harry’s work. One day Harry will be known in the annals with his contemporaries, as it should be. And Von is a son any musician would gladly call his own, for his unstinting loyalty and love.

Thank you, Jason. Merry Christmas! Von, if you see this, huge hugs and gratitude from me. :)

By: Von Babasin

Von Babasin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:04:14 +0000

Thanks again, Jason!

Thanks to you, Michael – there are a very small number of bassists that have received the recognition they deserve and Harry was so much more than a just a sideman – he influenced jazz in ways that continue today.

John Goldsby! So good to see you here. Nice interview with Jason you did also! After my father passed, you were the first to write about his exploits in your column, The Tradition, in Bass Player Magazine back in 1994. I also picked up your book, The Jazz Bass Book: Technique and Tradition, in which you graciously included a chapter for Harry. I am deeply grateful to you and I am honored to know you…

Thanks to you all and happy holidays!!!

By: Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:49:24 +0000

Hi Michael and John: Thanks to both of you for your comments. I’m glad this show spoke to you both — I know it was rewarding to me to produce this episode.

By: John Goldsby

John Goldsby — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:02:51 +0000

Harry Babasin is truly one of the unsung greats of jazz bass playing. He was an innovator and forward thinking player who set the stage for the work of Oscar Pettiford and many others. I’m looking forward to checking out the film!

By: Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:53:26 +0000

It is sad that as a bassist myself I’d never heard of Harry. Too true how so many things get lost to history and that subtleties shift reality over time …