"Underrated," "timeless," "unique," and "gifted." These are all words often used to describe the late jazz trumpet player, Kenny Dorham. A talented bop-oriented player and an excellent composer, Kenny played in bands with historical musicians such as Charlie Parker, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstineand and Mercer Ellington and penned the timeless jazz standard “Blue Bossa.”
This past weekend, the Georgia State University Jazz area brought together "a gaggle" of jazz trumpet players to perform a tribute concert in Dorham's honor. Performers included Gordon Vernick (GSU Faculty), Joe Gransden, Michael Cruse, Greg McLean, Terence Harper, Justin Powell and the infamous Philip Harper from New York. The rhythm band was made up of Atlanta jazz bassist, Neil Starkey, Kevin Bales (GSU Faculty) on piano and Robert Boone (GSU Faculty) on drums. The musicians performed ten different Kenny Dorham compositions for an audience full of jazz enthusiasts, including Dorham's own family.
Gordon Vernick, Director of Jazz Studies at Georgia State stated, "The afternoon was a wonderful tribute to a little-recognized musician. Amongst trumpet players, he’s one of the most highly regarded stylists in the history of jazz. It was amazing to see the talent on stage. Everyone volunteered their services to come and perform; it was a true labor of love and you could feel the brotherhood on stage. We hope to plan something like this again in the future."
The family of Kenny Dorham, with all five daughters in attendance, led the standing ovations, along with friends, extended family and the audience in appreciation of hearing some of their most beloved compositions performed beautifully. "The Dorham family thanks the musicians for raising the bar and performing the music of our father and grandfather, at the highest level of musicianship, and with love," commented Evette Dorham. With Gordon Vernick and Kaylee Bramlett, Evette co-produced the event and brought some of their family's precious memorabilia of her father's past- records, photos, musical scores, and even his personal trumpet.
"Special thank you to Prof. Gordon Vernick for performing and coordinating an amazing event, Georgia State University Jazz Area, Kaylee Bramlett, P.R. & Marketing team, event media partner Lovell Hooks, Mike Shaw with Arts ATL, and WRFG Radio. Special thanks to Philip Harper, Trumpeter."
Evette is looking forward to "taking her show on the road" to help coordinate events in her father's honor to celebrate his 100th birthday.
#KennyDorhamcentennial2024
