The Nearness of You - Larry McKenna, Tony Miceli, Matthew Parrish, Dan Monaghan (2018)
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- Опубликовано: 30 ноя 2018
- Larry McKenna - tenor saxophone
Tony Miceli - vibraphone
Matthew Parrish - bass
Dan Monaghan - drums
The Nearness of You by Hoagy Carmichael
Video copyright ©2018 Melissa Gilstrap. All Rights Reserved.
Audio courtesy of Robert E. Bell, CTS
Nov. 23, 2018 Philadelphia Museum of Art
My artist/lyricist website: www.melissagilstrap.com/
LARRY McKENNA BIOGRAPHY
One of the world’s finest jazz saxophone players, Larry McKenna is known for his gorgeous tenor saxophone sound, the beauty of his balladry, and his fluid, bebop-inspired improvisations. After seven decades in his profession, his international reputation as both a masterful jazz improviser and educator is firmly established. Over the years, Larry has performed and recorded with many jazz stars including Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Barry Harris, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Harry Allen, Terell Stafford, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Warren Vaché, Kenny Barron, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and Frank Sinatra.
A recent recording milestone is "World On A String," the first album to feature Larry McKenna with strings (BCM&D Records 2022). This gorgeous collection of standards and one McKenna original highlights arrangements by Larry and his friend and fellow tenor saxophonist, Jack Saint Clair.
Larry McKenna’s composing, songwriting and arranging skills received critical acclaim with the 2013 release of his CD, “From All Sides,” supported in part by a Subito Grant from the American Composers Forum. Among other originals, this CD introduced his popular bossa nova “One Falling Tree” with lyrics by Melissa Gilstrap sung by Joanna Pascale, voted the number two song of the year out of 100 by listeners of WRTI 90.1 FM Philadelphia in 2013.
Larry’s writing and arranging skills are further showcased by the Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece band dedicated to presenting Larry’s original compositions and arrangements. In 2018, the Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra was invited by WRTI to video three of Larry’s original songs, two with lyrics by Melissa Gilstrap sung by Joanna Pascale, now presented on NPR's Live Sessions website.
In 2018, Larry McKenna partnered with longtime friend and fellow Philadelphia tenor sax player, Robert “Bootsie” Barnes, to release their CD, “The More I See You” (Cellar Live 2018). This critically-acclaimed CD placed on national jazz charts for several weeks.
In addition to being a frequent guest on recordings by other top jazz players, Larry has released three other CDs under his own name to critical acclaim. “Profile” (Dreambox Media 2009) mixes jazz standards with Larry’s original compositions, including the poignant ballad “Perhaps This Wintertime” with lyrics by Melissa Gilstrap. Premiered on the CD by vocalist Nancy Reed, this ballad was critically praised as “destined to become a new standard” and subsequently performed and/or recorded by other internationally known vocalists, including Denise King, Mary Ellen Desmond and Jackie Ryan. Larry’s earlier CDs, “It Might As Well Be Spring” (Dreambox Media 2001) and “My Shining Hour - Music of Harold Arlen” (EPE Records 1995), received praise from jazz critics across the United States and Canada.
Recent performance highlights include Larry McKenna’s 2018 and 2015 “Barry & Larry” concerts with the legendary pianist Barry Harris at William Paterson University in New Jersey. In 2018 and 2014 Larry appeared with the Woody Herman Tribute Band in Los Angeles, including in 2018 a special quintet performance with trumpeter Bobby Shew. Larry was also a featured soloist in two concerts in 2014 with The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia under the direction of Terell Stafford, together with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Kenny Barron, and Randy Brecker. In 2011 the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra showcased Larry as a soloist, performing movements from an orchestral arrangement of Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite.”
Larry is one of the most sought-out saxophone and jazz theory teachers in Philadelphia. He has taught countless students at University of the Arts, Temple University School of Music, West Chester University, Widener University, and Community College of Philadelphia.
In recognition of his extensive contributions to the jazz world, in 2015 Larry McKenna along with Pat Martino received a Jazz Legend Award from the Philadelphia Clef Club. Larry has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in jazz performance and education from the University of the Arts; the Jazz Master Award from the Media, Pennsylvania Business Authority; and the Making A Difference Award from The Jazz Bridge Project.
Music arranged by Larry McKenna has been performed on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and in the Nicolas Cage movie “Birdy,” in which Larry played and appeared. He has published many jazz arrangements for school bands which can be purchased from Northeastern Music Publications.
Larry resides in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. 
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Larry McKenna passed away two days ago. He was our Philly treasure. The music community and all who knew and loved him, will. miss him dearly. A consummate musician, generous teacher, and kind. man.
He was such a great jazz musician. I discovered him late but his music will always be some of my favorite.
Sorry I never listen to this Guy until now. He play’s like a kind Man with a huge soul. God Bless the Man
Sadness 😢
He’s the reason I even picked up the Sax…….😢
If any of us can do anything that impacts the world or music at 81 years old, it's a blessing. Larry is blessed and fantastic horn player.
He is our Philadelphia treasure! Thank you, Melissa Gilstrap for being a great friend to Larry McKenna!
Danced to this with my then squeeze, Pam, in 7th grade dance class... 58 years ago!! Danced with her again at our 50th HS reunion in 2019. A memory I'll never forget. Sadly, she passed two years ago.
What a sweet romantic partner ……..Sorry for your loss
Feeling mad at the world?....sit yourself down and listen to this rendition....and ALL will be well again.....!!!
Absolutely. It’s stress reliever. I like his style of playing his sax.
Here, Here!!
How right are.
yes
I’m 65yrs old, and it’s not very often that i cry when I hear a song. But, this rendition moved me to tears. The beauty and the tenderness of the vibes in the introduction really set the mood. The beautiful tone and warmth of the saxophone. The vibes solo was mesmerizing. And very tasty comping on the vibes.
This is what you call real music.
How it's done. Beautiful style and subtlety. Sound is gorgeous as well. The true major leagues.
Nice piece. You can also cry on this rendition :-) : ruclips.net/video/zJZ2LWukCCA/видео.html
yes it is. and think of how much true wonderment some are missing by only listening to a lot of dreck today....they sadly will never know better.
Porter greetings. 🇺🇸 I’m not sure how this song is…my music teacher introduced this to me in the 1980s and I sang it in an ensemble group called the Lads & Lassies of Huntington, WV. I loved it when singing it but hearing this sax rendition was truly amazing! Do you know when and by whom it was written? Have a blessed day! 🤩
@@mhamburger1 You will weep with this rendition by Sonny Stitt : ruclips.net/video/3bB9K4av4_Y/видео.html
Play your part well, and listen to one another. Isnt this the art of great music ? No egos, no bs, just tasty beautiful playing. These guys got this.
It's called jazzz😉👍👍🏿
Great and great
annermarle...I hate play whit pepole wen is these "ego"...music is respect...people whith "ego"are not really musicsian...are only one "computer programan"...ore "nosise gun"..... ist like play whith midi...anything like this...I like heart in the music and respect...when you play whith really musicsian...all is like magic...all come alone...you know the mind of all and all the band know your mind.
Yes I love it music just calms me
that's the joy of music, Annemarie!!!
That vibraphonist is exceptional
Larry McKenna was 81 years old when this was recorded - amazing!
Muy bello .la calidad nunca se va 👌 Perú
Amazing is very short from true. Please jazz lovers let's find an even better adjective. Mr. Mckenna deserves it not for his years, for his impeccable performance.
i wish I had a good tenor and mouthpiece so I could play like that at 81. I bet he can't play my shotty horn and mouthpiece and sound. even close to that good. I'm 65 and I fight to get a nice sound
@@robertc.barnes4650
Medium open mp and stif reed and you will sound good.
Killers in the making,The Legendary,one n only Larry...God bless u guyz...🎶🙋♂️👍👌🍻,lovr n cheers!
Listen to him play at the cliff club in Philadelphia with Lue Coco 6:45 what a wonderful experience I’ll never forget
Listening to this rendition took me to a place of calm and beauty that is almost indescribable.
that's the purpose, Calvin. Music is life and sentiment. Music gives instruction of life by the vibes. If the vibes hit your, then you know, everything is going to be alright. Because you have music in your soul. it does make a difference.
RIP Larry. You were one of the best and a wonderful fellow to boot. Thank you for your fabulous playing and funny stories. We were so fortunate to be on the receiving end.
It's pure honey, my friend!
Thank you very much
Good show!
Very, nice Larry. Few young guys can play that gently with style and grace. Kind of a lost art. Live long and prosper.
Hello Don, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.
O
Now THAT'S a Tenor Saxophone tone to die for! Great ballad feel and phrasing.
Hello Terry, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.
Now, Larry is looking you in the eye! told you right there.
So I’m sitting up way too late and doing my favorite thing...listening to jazz ensembles. Then this guy, LARRY MCKENNA pops up with one of my all time favorite tunes. Oh yeah, like some sort of barbiturate for my ears. Smooth, light, intricate and so inspired, this ensemble went straight for my endorphins. So, instead of taking melatonin just listen and sleep with these angles of melody caressing your soul. Night Night...
Very nice..unforgettable music..if you hear ..you will remind of your younger years....ty,. Regards from the philippines..
Best reason to stay up late in nite
I always have to play this song, every time I'm online. Larry McKenna! Larry is 82 I think on this recording.
Xylophone player is on another level !
The good jazz musicians can usually show their talent until old age. See Paul Kuhn and many others. Larry plays here like a young god. Best regards from Germany.
Holy Cow! That vibraharp solo was positively dripping with the blues! Miceli's varying and subtle "attack" on each musical phrase of the solo was amazing to hear, too.
What a great sound……….Love that sax Larry………..
I love Larry McKenna! pure and simple. His jazz is exemplary
My opinion is, will I be doing what I love to do at 80 years old, with the same precision as I did when I was 40 or 50? I can't say that for sure. Not too many people can. Only a few people can sustain their greatness for many years. Larry McKenna is one.
I am 70+ and have just become acquainted with Larry McKenna . What a legendary performant. He honed his talent , taught countless others and after reading his bio, just gained another admirer.
as i'm watching this during my solo i'm reminded that he's 4 feet from me. it's very humbling to play a solo with larry 4 feet from you :-)
As I watch this and play along with the first chorus, I can imagine how humbling it would be to play live within 1,000 miles from you Tony......
The vibes solo is nothing short of stunning, had it running in the background and it caught me by surprise, I stopped everything and listened. Thank you for this.
PTRmusic1 I
I would believe that Mr. McKenna would feel the same about you.
actually now he'll have to be 6 feet away from me!
Cansado pero lleno de nostalgia, y todo ese intenso sentimiento vivido se fue y asi se perdió para siempre
81 years old, still playing his soul!
Absolutely beautiful. What command of the instrument... I can listen to this all day and never get tired of it. This is what the young, up-and-coming saxophone players need to listen to. If you can play a ballad, you can play anything...
Absolutely AMAZING. I"m A Larry McKenna fan from now on. I'm floored!!!!!
The depth with which Larry plays is nothing short of incredible. As a Philly native, I've been lucky enough to see Larry live many times over the past 10+ years - a true gem.
precious seeing Larry, Ian. I'm a Philly native too.
I'm from Philly, but haven't live there in many years. Is Larry from Philly? I didn't know.
fabulous use of the vibraphone. Just amazing technique
It's easy to hear how well he knows this tune. All of his lines sit perfectly over the changes and anticipate the next beautifully, with simple, elegant lyricism. That is what it is supposed to sound like!
Is that ultimate elegance or what?
Qué música tan bonita que puede transportarnos a un lugar mágico en la imaginación. Me hace sentir que estuviera en un mundo maravilloso lleno de paz y fantasías indescriptibles.
That's wonderful! Thank you, sir.👏👏👏
I LOVE THIS ! THERE IS NOT MATCH TECHNIKS, BUT FEELING IS A VERY DEVOTED !I BELIEVE TO LARRY MACKENA!
Hello, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.
@@pattistilwell7424 Thanks! I m trying to survive! The period is difficult for all! Ive not a ngajiments with music and sax, but try to think and listen other saxplaers! Wish to you held and strong! Thanks!
@@GGflute Hello nice to meet you sir. I'm looking for new friend that's why i wrote you. Where are you originally from? And where do you live. I would like to know you ok!
I’m 70 years young and still trying to aspire to Larry’s command of the tenor after many many years of off and on playing. Beautiful work here. Thanks for posting.
I, am like you, but 70 years OLD, and feel it. I couldn't even be worthy of carrying Mr. McKenna's horn..I was never close to his performing ability, and I accept that I never will be. For every few thousand tenor players, there is maybe one Larry McKenna. It is good to aspire, and to be inspired, but never envious and certainly not jealous. Just sit back, enjoy, and let these beautiful strains carry you off to the clouds!
Hello John, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.
getting back to it after decades laying off....at 66....took it out today and blew a bit, like finding an old friend!
Totally killing it for an old guy! (or any guy for that matter)
Wow, amazing playing! So gentle yet pops when needed. Great dynamics.
This is one of the few videos I'm on that I always come back to to listen to. It is certainly one of the most beautiful moments for me. Matt, Dan and Larry of simply that Top echelon of musicians to play with. And Larry is the very top.
I will always remember it, dear Larry from Chile.
The vibraphone just made it more delightful
........un brano bellissimo, dolce, elegante, raffinato, che ristora l'anima e la mente di tutti quegli ascoltatori
appassionati del Jazz, della bella musica magistralmente eseguita,interpretata ed arrangiata, come nel caso
di specie, da quattro "Big" di quell'Universo Musicale, di quella musica che non tramonta mai e che, in ultima
analisi, si traduce in una Grande "Emozione" ed in un ripetuto applauso a scena aperta!!
Ma che bravi, bravi davvero!!
I miei più sinceri complimenti.
c.castellano, Italia
........ a beautiful, sweet, elegant, refined piece that restores the soul and mind of all those listeners
fans of Jazz, of beautiful music, masterfully performed, interpreted and arranged, as in the case
of species, from four "Big" of that Musical Universe, of that music that never sets and that, ultimately
analysis, translates into a Great "Emotion" and a repeated open stage applause !!
But what good, really good !!
My sincere congratulations.
c.castellano, Italy
Play it now, Larry McKenna. The nearness of you! on that horn!
The way he "sings" the theme. Just beautiful.
A very sensitive performance. Mastery.
All I feel and hear is his beautiful warm heart coming out from that horn ❤️.
Vilken känsla! Underbart
Larry, you have always had “it” and you always will! Beautiful.
What the heck! How is it that I have never heard of this guy? I've been playing sax and listening to saxophone players for 50 years and this is the first I've heard of Larry McKenna. This is great, thanks for putting this up, and now I will be on the hunt for some of Larry's music.
I tell you
Steve L, me too Steve. Im searching as we speak.
He's incredible...
Yes, I share the same feeling. I bought my first sax in 1959 at the age of 13. RUclips has brought many positive surprises. This is one them. Music doesn't have to be complicated to be emotionally appealing.
Ha.....me too. Been playing and gigging for 40 years and never heard of this gentleman. What a treat. And kudos to the band......impeccable chops.
How wonderful to hear You Play my favourite Song The Nearness of You. Gratitude on Your superb Playing power, May You last Forever Beautiful Saxophone Player, I Love You🌹✨💕🕊🙏🏻
Great Larry McKenna, he's always so inspired and what a vibes solo, near perfection, so good to hear these guys
As a professional sax player I eagerly tip my hat to this lovely Carmichael tune. Wonderful job! Thank you.
Great Musicians playing a beautiful song. Thank you for posting
Hello Jim, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.
A Gentleman!! Beautiful Dreamin!
Amazing 🎷SAX💎❤️💐🇧🇪
Thanks! My favourite. Iam 80 and switching from trumpet to sax.Great!
I would nominate this version the best on RUclips. Great musicians.
I really love the way he plays the tenor saxophone...bravo
Chad Lefkowitz Brown beats it I think. But this is great too!
@@allenponton5696 old cats sound much better than young guys)
Sam Butera,Listen to Sam Butera,Louie Primas Sax Man
@@kpoudavoff I don't think age matters so much, just the skill of the player. You'd know all about that, being a great young player yourself! 🦊
i like tenor saxophone. Very beautiful interpretation .
I spent many an evening in LA Jazz supper clubs & piano bars & this is what I'd hear from the best of the best musicians & Great American Songbook gold nuggets such as this Johnny Mercer "The Nearness of You" with I believe lyricist Ned Washington
What a blessing it is to be able to listen to him play!
Questo vuol dire che le emozioni non invecchiano mai. Anzi con l'età diventano più raffinate....proprio come il buon vino. Complimenti a questo delizioso giovanotto.
Desde Isla Formosa Taiwan ROChina enviamos nuestras felicitaciones a este Señor por su maravillosa interpretación de esta hermosa melodía : The Nearest of You. Gracias por compartir
Lito González LeBron. De Lamber City. Paraguay
Greetings from the Ohio Porters. I sang this song when I was in an ensemble group in high school. Loved it. Haven’t heard this in years but I’ve been singing it when I think about it. Thanks for doin a great job!!!! 🥰🤩😎🧐🇺🇸✌️
He knows what not to play.
That lick in the minute 3:28 is pure gold! How beautiful! Sound, notes, articulation, time... it is perfecte and it gets right into my soul!
What a treasure...hearing the master balladeer with a perfectly balanced group behind him. Very rare to hear this heart warming, deep and rich interpretation of one of Hoagy's greatest. As always, thanks Melissa!
THIS MAN 81 YEARS OLD, AMAZING, PLAY THE SAX WITH FEELING, AMAZING
Marvelous 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Sounds like someone who experienced almost every kind of emotion there is to life. Splendid, in such a subtle way.
Larry and crew do a fine job on this Hoagy tune that I fell in love with as a little boy some 70 years ago or so.
A dream to the ears!
He is so lucky, still can do what he loves in old age.
A man who has lived 81 yrs imparts his life's experiences into his playing. Andres Segovia once was so impressed by a young man's playing he told him, "Young man you have learned almost all there is to learn on the guitar - now go out and live life, then come back and play for me again."
Larry McKenna plays this song the best of all musicians, yesterday and today.
He was made to play balads. ONG such a great tone. I’ve been playing tenor for only about 3 years and this gentleman is a great inspiration for me. I’m sure that he’s playing on the heaven now RIP 😢
This is the beautiful thing about music. You can do it as long as your body will allow you. I think this is becoming my favorite ballad.
II just love watching him play.
So beautiful. 🎷🎷🎷
Play it now Larry McKenna. Love you
kills me every time i listen to this. he is the master!
Tony, you guys laid a fine foundation to give Larry the inspiration for expressing his genius ability. This is as fine a recording of "Nearness" as I've ever heard. I'm a 76-year-old tenor player from Georgia. Great Performance by all of you. Nice accompaniment and solo from you also Tony.
This is so, so pure! Love it!
Beautiful. Just a gem! Learn thr words, learn the melody, open your heart. That's Larry!!
YESSSSS LARRY MCKENNA!!!
No me canso de escucharlo, maravilla maestro....
Bravo!!! Nice music! Nice performance! Thanks for all!💝 Valentina.
Mr. McKenna R.I.P. thank you for sharing your talent, your music, and the world. For being an inspiration to a guy like myself to pick up a sax and learn to play it while listening to you as a teacher for more than 12 years and more. That's how long I been playing my sax thanks to teahers like you! Thank You !!
Just the first five notes and I’m sold👍🏾🙏🏾👍🏾2:33 that’s a phrase man!!!!!
This is GOOD jazz!
He really knows how to slow it down. So many players are off to the races all the time but this cat really gets it.
Very tasty licks. Thanks fir posting
Pure beauty. What a priviledge to listen to this🥰
You’re the Tops of the tenor sax Larry………….not too bad Miceli & Monaghan……….
Lindissimo!
This is the first time I've heard from Mr. Larry MacKenna... great honor.
How beautiful can something get....
Excellent...thanks for posting.....
I'm glad I found him. Beautiful
Holy Ben Webster! That sound Larry McKenna makes is amazing. His tone and phrasing should be the standard for this standard.
This is most beautiful
Beautifully done. Brings back my youth and the era of BeBop
Hello Frank, how are you doing. I hope you are fine and in good health. Patti from California.