Kirk Lightsey at Baker’s

BY LARS BJORN

Kirk Lightsey returned to his hometown for an engagement at Baker's Keyboard Lounge on November 20. It was a great homecoming event and it seemed to take him hours to make it from the front door to the stage after he entered the club. Lightsey was greeting old friends from Cass Tech, family, and world of jazz at every other table in the intimate club.

When he got hold of the microphone he was no less enthusiastic about being back home — and the same can be said for his playing. He attacked the piano with his usual skill, imagination, and dynamism. It was unfortunate that Baker's usually fine piano was not fully adequate for the task on this night. Lightsey also inspired his companions on stage: tenorist Donald Walden, bassist Ralphe Armstrong, and drummer Bert Myrick.

In his opening remarks, Lightsey dedicated the evening's performance to the recently departed drummer George Goldsmith, with whom he played last time at Baker's.

It was a very enjoyable evening in the presence of another one of Detroit's greats. Thanks to John Colbert for bringing Kirk Lightsey to town.

above: Kirk Lightsey addressed the crowd
below: Donald Walden, tenor; Lightsey with Ralphe Armstrong, bass

photographs by Lars Bjorn

I N - T H I S - I S S U E :
1. ROY BROOKS TRIBUTE ---2. MARVIN KAHN
3. FRANK ISOLA ---4. KIRK LIGHTSEY
5. BILL CHARLAP
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