CELESTIAL BLUES:GARY BARTZ and ANDY BEY
This song has been my shit since I first discovered it in the mid 80’s. Andy Bey also did a killer version of it. He wrote it and is singing this version with Gary Bartz playing Soprano sax on the first version. Which one do you guys like better I wonder?
Andy Bey is an amazing singer and person. He is openly gay and has been HIV positive for 15 years yet he continues to perform and record. Having lost several friends to the disease I see his life as a way to live a proactive and purposeful life in the face of a deadly disease. He is a national treasure of sorts for me and should be recognized as such. If you ever get the chance to see him do so his performances are spiritual for me and he is a amazing singer and musician. Check out a record called Ballads,Blues and Bey if you get the chance it’s uniquely beautiful and totally soulful. Here’s a quote from him referring to his health/life and music:
Andy Bey: “Did you know that gratefulness helps get rid of fear? …I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love, to have a purpose in life.”
What more can one say except enjoy and have a blessed New Year. Life is a gift enjoy and appreciate it.
Dante Ross
January 7th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Nice post Dante, the Gary Bartz version has been one of my all time favorites from the time I first heard it way back when. Sad to hear Andy Bey was sick, but he sounds like an amazing guy.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:17 am
I like the Andy Bey version a bit better. Thanks for posting.
March 18th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Easily one of my favorite vocal jazz performances of all time. It was re-issued on the Luv ‘n Haight jazz/dance classics Vol.1. Finally copped an OG on the Harlem Bush Music LP. So choice..