Happy 90th Birthday Clark Terry

If, like me, you prefer the mellower, fuller sound of the fluegelhorn, then, like me, you naturally prefer Clark Terry. Truly, one of the greats.

Happy Birthday Tony Williams (1945-1997)

An amazing musician. Along with Keith Moon, he has always been my favorite drummer (interestingly, Moon was also William's favorite drummer, see here). Here is Tony, at age 22, driving with beautiful ferocity one of the greatest groupings of musicians ever assembled: the Miles Davis Quintet featuring Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and Herbie Hancock. The first time I heard this, I was completely blown away.

Happy 72d Birthday McCoy Tyner

One of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century.

Happy 90th Birthday Dave Brubeck

A legendary jazz pianist and composer, who innovated the use of different time signatures in his music and incorporated modern classical sensibilities into his playing. Here he is with what was probably the greatest version of his quartet (Paul Desmond on alto sax, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums) playing "40 days."

Happy Birthday Jaco Pastorious (1951-1987)

One of the all-time great jazz bassists, whose unique sound remains instantly recognizable. He left us way too early. Here he his at the height of his meteoric career, performing "A Remark You Made" with Weather Report.