Bob Brookmeyer: An Appreciation

Bob Brookmeyer was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1929. Although he turns 80 next month, the trombonist continues to make his presence felt. "We're up to our necks in repertory groups and you can't recreate dead people," Brookmeyer complains in a recent interview. Talk like that makes Plastic Sax swoon with admiration. The embedded video shows Brookmeyer performing about fifty years ago (!) with Gerry Mulligan's groundbreaking band. A true artist, Brookmeyer continues to explore news sounds. This fascinating video shows him working on innovative material with Kenny Wheeler. Happy Birthday, Bob, and keep giving 'em hell.