All Ears, All The Time: Dennis Irwin, Bass

http://www.jazzvideoguy.tv presents "All Ears, All The Time"

Dennis Irwin was one-of-a-kind, a man who profoundly touched everyone who crossed his path. This cinematic tribute, created by Bret Primack, includes the Joe Lovano Nonet from "New Morning: The Paris Concert," as well as video Bret shot at Joe's "Streams of Expression" recording session in December of 2005.

"Dennis left town on March 10, 2008," Bret explains, "the day of a Jazz at Lincoln Center benefit organized by his friends Joe Lovano and John Scofield. It was the third benefit for Dennis, following similar events at Small's, and the Village Vanguard. When the Jazz community learned of his life threatening illness, there was an immediate response, an unprecedented burst of love and support, both financial and spiritual.

He was the sort of person who inspired that. In addition to being a world class bassist, his essential goodness, his easygoing nature, and laid back sense of humor made him a welcome presence in every situation. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

Special Thanks to: Joe Lovano and the cats from Joe's Nonet: Barry Reiss, Larry Farrell, Steve Slagel, Ralph LaLama, Gary Smulyan, the late (and very much missed) John Hicks, and Lewis Nash. Check out the Video Liner Notes for the group's last recording:

http://www.streamsofexpression.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Dennis
• Irwin
• Bass
• Joe
• Lovano
• John
• Scofield
• Jazz
• Video
• Guy
• Bret
• Primack
• Wynton
• Marsalis
• Tony
• Bennett
• Lord
• Buckley

[hankmobleyfan]

I was lucky enough to meet Dennis on two occasions and apart from being a beautiful guy and a great Musician he is also an extremely witty man. I pray he can find the strength to keep going at this very sad time in his li

[dorotwhy]

It's wonderful to see the people personality behind the musician. What a pleasant and jovial man. I pray his up-beat spirit helps him fight the battle he is now up against.

[pickinstone]

Why do most jazz musicians churn the corn poetic when they try to tell a joke. I was introduced to Irwin's playing when I first started studying the form, he was the bass player on one of Sniderno's Jazz Conception Etude books. He made that rhythm section groove, mmm. Now I find out that he played in Mel Lewis' Big Band and behind Scott Hamilton, makes total sense. I would have loved to study with him. Bass is the Place, even for guitarists like me.

[allthatjazz4you]

I got to play with Dennis once at UNT along with John Riley. It was a blast. I'll never forget that experience. We'll miss you forever, Dennis!

[fatheadblues1]

I met Dennis in the mid 80's when I worked at Bradleys. You just knew he was a kind gentle soul, a king of cool, humorist. I would lock up and he and John Hicks, Kirk Lightsey, Clifford Jordan amoung many others would hang and jam. I was learning or attempting to learn the Blues Harmonica and they would let me sit in. Anytime you mention Dennis to anyone who met or knew him....there is a beat and a warm smile . R.I.P brother Dennis.

[ManSizedTuber]

I met Dennis in the late seventies. He played a few gigs with my late brother, Mark Perry, a jazz pianist who worked in New York around then. Very sorry to hear that he has passed away.

[freakshowXES]

god bless

wonderful guy, looks like

[ignaciomoran]

I met Dennis when I moved to NYC in '90. I had seen him perform w/Blakey at Keystone Korner in'79. He and I hungout quite a bit at Bradley's on Sundays when Dom Salvador, Portinho n the great Brasilian NY cats played there. He loved Brasilian music (and the tango) and he used to always bring his Ernesto Nazareth book of chorinho and tango music. He was immersed in it and thus the connection with our Brasilian friends in NYC. He was an encyclopedia of music. I will miss my good friend Dennis.

[kalulu52]

I knew Dennis since 1979. Met him several times in Festivals around the world. Great musician and a beautiful cat. We miss you Dennis!

(bass player from Portugal)

[glom80]

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@wefuyhejwd

[booksteve]

what a beautiful tribute to Dennis Irwin. He is the right man to hold it down. I love that rap he did in the movie, that's from Lord Buckley. RIP Dennis.