With a precocity that drew comparisons to Mozart, Alexandre studied in Europe before returning home a composer and music critic. Born to the French immigrant Henrique Levy, owner of Casa Levy, a concert venue and sheet-music store, Alexandre made his first public appearance at the age of eight, and began to publish his own compositions at the age of 16. Though history did not record the cause of Alexandre Levy’s death, enough biographical details about the São Paolo-born pianist have emerged, making it clear that he was one of Brazil’s most important composers. This chronological look at all 54 members of the 27 Club spans a century of music-making, reminding us of the much-loved artists we’ve lost, and the sheer talent it takes to create lasting, world-changing music. Reluctant “members” of a unique group, the 27 Club includes everyone from blues pioneers to countercultural 60s icons, blossoming hip-hop stars and remarkable singers who, despite their short time on this earth, became hailed as voices for their respective generations.
Some of the causes of death remain unresolved, but all of them have left a bigger question behind: the “what if?” of unfulfilled potential – of losing a tragically young artist while they’re still in their prime. Whether through misadventure, foul play or the hard-living lifestyle that some artists embrace, their deaths have left huge gaps not just in the lives of their fans, but in the lives of the loved-ones they left behind. On many levels, Power to the People is more satisfying, a neglected gem that showcases an artist reaching for all that he can accomplish.It’s a tragic fact that enough musicians have died at the young age of 27 for them to be known, collectively, as members of the “27 Club” or “Forever 27”. While signed to the Blue Note label, Henderson provided seminal releases in the accepted format. Hancock's electric piano, at times both burbling in the background and providing an acid sting, is also crisp. Carter is served especially wellevery note is clearly heard. As an added bonus, two selections feature Mike Lawrence, a promising trumpeter who died in 1983.Īs part of the Keepnews Collection, the sound on this release is superb. Jack DeJohnette, another master who would contribute heavily to Miles' electric period, provides skilled drumming in the background. Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter are session musicians here, featured both on acoustic and electric instruments.
Henderson has, for the most part, abandoned the harsh tone of his earlier releases for a more smoothed over sound, giving up nothing in confidence. Only "Incognito" harkens back to an earlier time in Henderson's career. Henderson took a page from the compositional methods of the Miles Davis quintet from a few years back in that many of the compositions feature the same dark corners and ambiguous chord structures of that famous group. Power to the People is an appropriate title for a session filled with the sense of urgency and charisma found here. It features imaginative compositions that easily make it a highlight of the accomplished musician's career. This 1969 release finds Henderson with a near perfect rhythm section. Orrin Keepnews, who certainly could recognize great talent when he saw it, signed him to his newly formed Milestone label. Joe Henderson, a much beloved player for the Blue Note label was dropped in the late sixties. Faced with a declining market share due to the popularity of rock music, jazz musicians were forced to find an audience by pursuing new avenues in composition and instrumentation. The late sixties were an exciting time for jazz, although not a lucrative one.
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