Junior Mance Tribute — Winnie’s Jazz Bar, NYC
What a fantastic tribute to Mr. Junior Mance at Winnie’s Jazz Bar in Midtown NYC last Friday, October 17th. Long time bass player for Jr, Mr. Hide Tanaka was featured along with Mr. Fukushi Tainaka on drums. Fukushi had played with Jr for several years in the early 80’s. Students of Jr’s, pianist Marc Devine, myself on tenor and Andrew Hadro on Baritone saxophone rounded out the band. Guest soloist and stellar musician, Michi Fuji also joined on several pieces that featured her, Marc and Hide. Gloria Mance was in the audience. What a true pleasure to perform for her again. A beautiful tribute to Junior indeed.
In addition to the tribute Gloria and JunGlo Records recently released a Vinyl compilation highlighting some select recordings from later in Jr’s career. Andrew Hadro and myself are featured on the closing track entitled “Out South” from a live recording we did in 2014 at Cafe Loupe, NYC. Learn more and pick up a copy at the link.
