Legendary drummer Ed Thigpen dies at age 79; Pendergrass R.I.P.
Ed Thigpen, a drummer whose tasteful and understated style made him a
favorite accompanist of some of the best-known performers in jazz, died
on Jan. 13 in Copenhagen, where he had lived since 1972. He was 79. Mr. Thigpen was most famous for his tenure with the pianist Oscar Peterson’s
trio, one of the most popular small groups in jazz, from 1959 to 1965.
Mr. Thigpen earned raves for his supportive playing and especially for
his deft use of brushes in Peterson's trio, which up until then had
consisted of piano, bass and guitar. Read complete story from the New York Times.
"Ed and his trio+ had a fabulous concert in Haugesund at the Winter Jazz 2008. Ed the drummer is gone. Long live Ed and The Heaven Big Band." - Lasse Haugen, guitarist
Reaction:
"Thanks, Pete. Ed Thigpen was tremendously influential because of his tenure/exposure with Oscar Peterson. I know most drummers from my generation tried to emulate his elegance, taste and composure, his choreography with brushes was especially captivating (a refined Philly approach). Thanks for your vigilance!" - Anthony Brown, drummer, composer
"Ed and his trio+ had a fabulous concert in Haugesund at the Winter Jazz 2008. Ed the drummer is gone. Long live Ed and The Heaven Big Band." - Lasse Haugen, guitarist
"Ed was the consumate rhythm accompanist. He played whatever a tune 'needed.' He never overplayed. Always tasteful. He was the ideal trio drummer for Oscar because he could both react to what was being played and anticipate what would be played. -Earl Richard Brenneman
Posted by Pete McConnell at 1/14/2010 2:51 PM 
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Categories: uncategorized
Tags: ed thigpen jazz news jazz blog
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