Terry Callier for President

Posted by: Kevin-W on 08 January 2003

Went to the Jazz Cafe (London) last night to see the mighty Terry Callier - it was a great gig: the man was in fine voice, the band (Including Jim Mullen on guitar) was awesome, and the audience was, as ever, hugely (and noisily) appreciative. We were treated to a 2-hour selection of classics old and new (Ordinary Joe, Dancing Girl, What Colour Is Love, Fix The Blame, I Don't ant To See Myself, Monuments Of Mars, etc) plus a couple new ones.
I've seen himm twice before, but this was the best, I think.

If any of you fellow mmusic lovers want to hear some soulful jazz tinged with folk, Tel's your man - a brilliant songwriter with an awesome voice. Top bloke to boot. Start off with the "Essential" compilation or the sublime "What Colour Is Love?" LP. Both are vailable on vinyl, LP12 fans!!!

Anyone else like him?

Kevin
Posted on: 08 January 2003 by inkipak
Thanks for the recommendations, I've been meaning to track down some more of his music.

I first heard Mr Callier played at The Big Chill Festival in 99, Mixmaster Morris ended his set with 'Love Theme From Spartacus - Zero 7 remix' which is just an incredible track...

...to hear him perform live would be something else though.
Posted on: 08 January 2003 by fred simon
I dig him.

I first saw/heard him in 1976 or so, opening for Weather Report at a small club in Chicago, his current home.

Several friends and colleagues of mine -- David Onderdonk, guitar; Eric Hochberg, bass; Richie Fudoli, flute and sax -- play in his band almost every Monday night (but apprently not this week!), and occasionally travel with him. They also record with him. Cool vibe.
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by Kevin-W
Fred

Eric was on bass Tuesday night - great musician!

Kevin
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by i am simon 2
I have Lifetime and and one other of the recent albums (name escapes me).

I think his voice is incredible, very gentle with creshendos of imence power.

Have you noticed him guest vocaling on Beth Ortons Trailer Park?

Simon
Ps. Beth is also on one of his tracks.
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by Paul Stephenson
Alive, a superb album. One of my top plays last year.
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by Kevin-W
Paul

I agree - especially "Step Into The light"

Kevin
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by Paul Stephenson
My favourite is " African Violet" His vocals sometimes have a Ritchie Havens flavour don't you think?
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by Dev B
[QUOTE]Originally posted by fred simon:
I dig him.

[QUOTE]

I think Terry Callier is great - I've got Timepeace and Lifetime. I read somewhere that he recorded a some material early in his career (70s), went off and did a regular job and then was 'rediscovered' again. I know Gilles Peterson is a big fan and plays him on his radio show.
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by matthewr
He was working as a COBOL programmer in an Insurance company in Chicago and Gilles Peterson, who had been playing his old stuff in clubs and on the radio, turned up one day and said "Hey your really hip in London how would you like to come and record an album?". I hoping somehting similar will happen to me (my lack of a previous career as brilliant underground jazz/folk singer notwithstanding).

IIRC A lot of his old stuff was recorded by long time Naim label collaborator Ken Christianson.

Matthew
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by John L
Fred,

What club are they playing at on Monday nights?


John Litwin
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by smiglass
It's great to see so much love for Terry Callier! He was part of the great music scene in Chicago in the late 70's and early 80's, which included Faith Pillow, Judy Roberts, Return of the Kalif, and the "Simon and Bard" featuring the great Fred Simon. Mr. Callier's "What Colour is Love?" is one of my favorite albums. I am going to listen to all these artist's records as soon as I get home. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by fred simon
John, Terry and band play at the Green Mill just about every Monday night, except for when Terry is on the road.

Great club, great band.
Posted on: 09 January 2003 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by smiglass:
It's great to see so much love for Terry Callier! He was part of the great music scene in Chicago in the late 70's and early 80's, which included Faith Pillow, Judy Roberts, Return of the Kalif, and the "Simon and Bard" featuring the great Fred Simon. Mr. Callier's "What Colour is Love?" is one of my favorite albums. I am going to listen to all these artist's records as soon as I get home. Thanks for the reminder!



Thanks for your very kind words. It's funny to think that Terry, Judy, and I are all still going strong 25 years down the road.

-Fred

P.S. I'm gonna be a little late with my payment this month ... Christmas and all, you know.
Posted on: 10 January 2003 by smiglass
No need for payment, Fred, everything I said was true. I have several of your albums and collaborations and have enjoyed them very much. Simon and Bard was always fun in person. I went to many of the live performances at Orphans, Holstein's, the Bulls, etc back in my youth! I wanted to mention that there has got to be some recognition for the sensitive production and arrangements by Mr. Charles Stepney on What Color Is Love and on Minnie Riperton's Come to My Garden, another of my favorites. I think he was ahead of his time and died too young.
-Tony