Teddy Wilson Videos : Jim Hession / Avalon with thanks to Teddy Wilson

teddy wilson benny goodman avalon stride jazz solo piano swing jim hession with thanks to

Jim Hession / Avalon with thanks to Teddy Wilson

www.hessionsession.webs.com http Jim Hession performs Avalon, first recognized as a jazz hit for pianist Teddy Wilson in the early 1930's with the Benny Goodman Quartet, also featuring Lionel Hampton(vibes) and Gene Krupa(drums). Teddy was an incredible jazz pianist whose career stretched from the late 1920's to the 1980's, most notably his associations with both Goodman and Billie Holiday and as leader of his own groups. The Hessions first met Teddy in 1974 at a Kerrville, Texas jazz festival. They connected many times over the next few years in both Florida, New York City and California. Wilson had children both the age of Jim and Martha and the age of their children, so a get-together always involved talking music and interaction between "Uncle Teddy" and the Hession girls. Many late night sessions involved Teddy, and Jim and Martha reviewing tapes that Wilson collected of jazz performances from all over the world. He never tired of listening to new artists and analyzing their styles and music.Teddy constantly quizzed Jim on theory while listening to various artists. That was right down Jim's alley and thus these two really hit it off. On a visit to Florida in 1976 Teddy assisted Jim in editing his college lecture series on the evolution of jazz piano. The last time the Hessions and Teddy connected was in California at the time of a Hollywood Bowl concert. Rest in peace Uncle Teddy!

Video Credit: