Charlie Haden Dead at 77

I can't imagine a better tribute to Charlie Haden than this Fresh Air radio program which aired yesterday and is streamable here:

http://www.npr.org/2014/07/18/...lie-haden-remembered

Terry Gross and her staff have outdone themselves; it's apparent how much she loves and respects Haden's artistry and humanity.

Even though polio at age 15 put a stop to his singing career (and launched his career as a bassist), Gross was inadvertently responsible for his slight return to singing by asking him to sing Now Is the Hour (Haere Ra), a Maori farewell song that he had previously recorded playing the melody on bass. This lovely radio moment sparked his singing Wayfaring Stranger on his album The Art of the Song, accompanied only by Alan Broadbent's profoundly gorgeous string arrangement:

I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

The tribute ends with this recording, and if you aren't in tears by the end of it, consult a physician!

One of my favourites too, along with his albums with Keith Jarrett.  RIP Charlie.  You gave many people much enjoyment