The big man behind the drum kit, Eddie Moore was never a star in the commercial sense. He meant much more to those who knew him and his music, which included the jazz community around his home town of San Francisco as well as musicians around the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. Many flew here to pay homage to Moore at Jazz In Flight's first memorial festival and benefit concert for his daughter Eyla. Moore had everything that mattered in his life. He could play straight ahead, or go all "out" as could be imagined in a more freely improvised grouping. Give him a situation and he'd be right there, playing the music, having a dialogue with the other musicians with a smile, and getting everyone to play together as a team. He loved life. He played his life through the music, and while the rhythms were right the feeling was far more important. Lifelong friend from childhood, Mary Stallings explained, "He looked after his people and was very giving, very loving. He was just special with the way he cared about others. For this festival to continue and be successful, it shows just how many lives Eddie's spirit has touched." The list of his sidekicks and collaborators is enormous. From Albert "Tootie" Heath to Sonny Rollins, Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Dewey Redman, Mal Waldron, George Cables and cousin Merl Saunders. He led his own bands as well, serving as both leader and teacher.
In 1990, when Eddie died on the bandstand from heart failure at the age of 51, Jazz In Flight volunteers immediately organized a memorial concert. From this first festival came the basic format for its successors, a get-together of Moore's friends, those who were touched by his warm spirit, and others who may never have met Moore. His memory and spirit holds the music supreme as a way to communicate human feelings where other means never could. Expect to see the various artists trying to take the music just a bit beyond where it has been, in honor of Eddie Moore's gift to them. If he were here he would be doing it with them. Instead, his spirit remains alive in their music.
The Eddie Moore festival is presented each year to remember and celebrate the life and musical energy of legendary drummer Eddie Moore. Join us as we review this year's celebration of the drum!
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Updated September 12, 1996
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