George Cables is considered a monument of modern jazz. This 80-year-old New Yorker has played, both live and in the studio, with Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, and Dizzy Gillespie throughout his long career. His “collection” of drummers is extraordinary: Art Blakey, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, and Tony Williams. Two central partnerships: the quartet of Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper (Cables was undoubtedly his favorite pianist). Pepper used to call him “Mr. Beautiful”. Their collaboration is documented by a series of records for Contemporary and Galaxy, including the latest studio session, in duo, of the great alto saxophonist: an artistic will to share with a trusted companion.
Over the last few years, Cables has performed solo, with his trio, or with wider bands, besides educational activities in training programs for young musicians.
His early musical education began with classical music, not jazz. He admittedly “didn’t know anything about jazz”, but African American music’s potential for freedom of expression has captivated him. His main influences were Miles Davis and Coltrane, their innovations, and how they managed the bands.
Trained at the hard bop school, Cables has always been curious about the evolution of jazz and interested in young musicians. He is a classical but original artist who is always on the move. Bolognese saxophonist Piero Odorici performs with him. He is a member of the quintet performing for the night-time jam sessions of the latest editions of Umbria Jazz.
George Cables Trio
w/ Joshua Ginsburg & Jonathan Barber
feat. Piero Odorici
