Fan Wall

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  Oct 27 2007, 11:47 AM

  In 1977, I was a freshman at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and there was a jazz band every Thursday night at the pub in the student center, and most times, the band was the Wallace Roney Septet. Like me, he was just 18 years old. UNlike me, he had his shit so together! He resembled, and played like, a young Miles Davis. He had an impeccable band, featuring his brother Antoine on tenor, another cat on alto, and piano-bass-drums rhythm section. They were so good, even bac... More... In 1977, I was a freshman at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and there was a jazz band every Thursday night at the pub in the student center, and most times, the band was the Wallace Roney Septet. Like me, he was just 18 years old. UNlike me, he had his shit so together! He resembled, and played like, a young Miles Davis. He had an impeccable band, featuring his brother Antoine on tenor, another cat on alto, and piano-bass-drums rhythm section. They were so good, even back then. And I've kept my eye on Wallace since then, and have been proud to see his career develop, first as part of Tony Williams' band, and then later on his own. He married the lovely and talented pianist, Geri Allen, who was a student at Howard University at that time. Although I have never met Roney and Ms. Allen, I kind of feel that I have grown up with them. Knowing that were all in the same place at the same time of our lives, and the fact their music, both individually and together, has reserved a prime location in my heart. Sorry to prattle on, but I dig these folks. If you have not heard them, do yourself a favor and check them out. Roney's "Misterios" is beautiful. (http://www.amazon.com/Misterios-Wallace-Roney/dp/B000002MRX/ref=pd_sim_m_shvl_img_3/104-2268396-6038328)
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  Sep 20 2007, 08:28 AM

  Met him in an elevator at the Detroit Jazz Fest years ago when I was still working for WEMU as a DJ. He was real cool. His live touring performance of "No Room For Argument" was bad ass...