Search:
Mountaineers Big East Mountaineer WVU basketball WVU Football Mountaineer Basketball Mountaineer Football Couch Fire Coach Stewart Eat Shit Pitt NCAA March Madness Morgantown West Virginia White Water Rafting High Street Bent Willy's Mountainlair Almost Heaven Fiesta Bowl College John Denver WVU Fight Song Hail West Virginia Country Roads Mountaineer Marching Band

All Ears, All The Time: Dennis Irwin, Bass

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...

Channel: Music
Uploaded: February 27, 2008 at 5:24 am
Author: JazzVideoGuy

Length: 06:44
Rating: 4.98
Views: 12918

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

Video Comments

jazzand (July 19, 2008 at 12:47 am)

Hey Gust, I heard your vibes back then and they certainly weren't "hackin." I also got to play with Dennis a number of times and he was such a great cat to be around (and funny as hell when he and Ralph Lalama went at it.) Dennis still practiced clarinet and knew a lot about Tango as as well (he used to tell me cats to check out). I've got some video from a concert we did with Barry Harris, Ralph Lalama and Leroy Williams. I'll try to edit and post it. Dennis was THE cat. I miss him.

fodera6 (May 28, 2008 at 10:05 am)

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dennis for the first time at one of my gigs (I play bass in a few groups with his son). I was a bit nervous but I'll never forget his laid-back manner and seemingly-endless reservoir of wisdom. RIP Dennis. You are sadly missed.

sbrownie (May 27, 2008 at 3:43 am)

'to swing or not to swing, that is the hangup'...indeed! R.I.P......

deangelico (May 21, 2008 at 9:09 am)

Great tribute to a wonderful Musician and a Beautiful Man.when I watch this I am reminded of the great chat we had in the Village Vanguard about the Goons. RIP Dennis you will be sadly missed

alithea1 (April 15, 2008 at 9:27 am)

I was blessed by Dennis when he agreed to play bass with me (hackin at that vibes as I were) to open this silly little club named Visiones one day after Thanksgiving in 1986, he was always reciting Lord Buckley talkin or playin ball, but most of all spreading more love than the average human being, it's always a shame when the sweet souls move on too soon........... Gust Tsilis

nonblond97 (April 1, 2008 at 9:49 pm)

hey i am dennis'step niece once removed i am related to sweetmentaldesseray thanks for all the kind words and everything it means lots

PeteCBass (March 21, 2008 at 3:29 am)

Thanks for posting. Dennis was one of the greats and will be sorely missed. RIP Ski.

FlamingoReaper (March 17, 2008 at 3:54 am)

...Onto the next level, Dennis. gsessum

Teosax718 (March 14, 2008 at 8:37 pm)

Dennis, I still remember that weekend at Visiones. You on bass, Karriem Riggins on drums, and Mulgrew Miller on piano. Swingin' from the first beat!!! God Bless your soul and I'll see you later... Teodross Avery

n72mcvey (March 14, 2008 at 7:24 pm)

R.I.P.

West Virginia University Videos

All Ears, All The Time: Dennis Irwin, Bass

Video Comments

West Virginia University Videos © 2007 All Rights Reserved.