Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
Giving Thanks
Nov 24, 2021
The COVID 19 pandemic has made us see how fragile life, community and peace are in the world. Entering into this holiday season, it’s important to acknowledge that there is much to be thankful for. Yes. It may sound a little corny, but this is actually a perfect time to take a moment to reflect with gratitude. For all of us who are healthy and sane, as well as those of us still working, we can be grateful and thankful. For those of us who have lost a loved one, who value our precious moments with them, as well as those of us who have not lost a loved one, we can be grateful and thankful as well. PJP can be thankful for many things including, PJP Director, Homer Jackson's recent special recognition that offers a reflective moment.
Jackson is from North Philadelphia; that same territory that gave us Jill Scott, Bill Cosby, Odean Pope, Dawn Staley, Hank Gathers, Middy Middleton, Teddy Pendergrass, Lee Morgan and many, many others. Jackson grew up on Gratz Street and one of his neighbors, for whom he would occasionally make store and dry cleaner runs was none other than The Legendary Hasaan aka Hasaan Ibn Ali. Yes. The unsung Philadelphia piano genius and innovator, who was a colleague of and influence on John Coltrane, a collaborator with Odean Pope and who also recorded with Max Roach.
By the 1980s, when Jackson became a DJ at WRTI, The Legendary Hasaan had become a kinda musical urban legend, known only amongst the so-called, hippest of the hip Jazz aficionados. His music and story had essentially languished in the dusty record bins of Jazz music history. That is until recently, when the Omnivore Recordings team of longtime fan Alan Sukoenig, Jazz historian Lewis Porter and Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski, unearthed two previously unreleased recordings of Hasaan Ibn Ali. The first is Metaphysics: The Lost Atlantic Album and the second is Retrospect In Retirement Of Delay: The Solo Recordings. In the liner notes of both of these historic records Homer Jackson is thanked for his encouragement, support and efforts to help.
The idea of being acknowledged for assisting in some small way in the making such an important discovery public is amazing. Going full circle from the kid who had no clue to seeing/hearing the music of this neighbor who was actually an unsung pioneer is truly special and reaffirms our belief that we come from a special place, populated with very special people. So, as we enter into this holiday season, let's all take a moment and look around at the folks in our lives. See them, thank them and appreciate the special moments that we share.
While we're at it, thank you for your engagment and support for our work.
