BIG MILLER / TOMMY BANKS - Legacy [Import] - (Canada - Import) - [CD]

This recording captures a magical afternoon in August 1989 when the legendary Big Miller and his dear friend, Tommy Banks came together to play and record a few songs. At that time, their schedules were filled with performances, TV appearances and extensive travel, so it was a special gift to have them together in studio to record in an intimate setting. Composer / engineer / pianist George Blondheim tracked and produced the session. The pair chose nine jazz standards that were recorded live-to-digital at Beta Sound Recorders in Edmonton, Alberta. Big Miller passed way in 1994, and Tommy Banks celebrated his 80th birthday in Fall 2016. The recordings were never released previously and remained on a hard drive until 2017. This special album is being released as homage to Edmonton's great jazz venue, The Yardbird Suite, celebrating 60 years. Proceeds from the sale of this album will support the educational programs of the Edmonton Jazz Society and the Yardbird Suite. Big and I began working together in the 1970s and during his last few years, were on the road together a lot playing duo concerts and CBC radio broadcasts. He could sing anything and make it work, and his vast memorized repertoire of blues, pop and jazz standards was all-encompassing. When George asked us to do a duet recording, Big and I instantly agreed. We went into the studio to try a few things and see how they'd sound before settling on a direction for the CD. Sadly, time and circumstances intervened and we never got a chance to make the recording that George had envisioned - but he kept those first tapes (there were tapes in those days!), and here they are. They evoke very happy memories of a great artist and a wonderfully big man. -Tommy Banks