Mark Turner & Fly

Matthew Miller

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2006

Recent articles (50 total)

Published: April 15, 2009

The group faced a major set back last November, when Turner seriously injured two of his fingers in an accident with a power saw. Word of the incident flew through the international jazz community via online message boards, print and online media and radio stations and fans held their breath. Fortunately, Turner has made a swift recovery and has just finished a European tour with Fly in support of Sky & Country.

"I did rehab for four months which included visits to an occupational therapist one to two times per week," recalled Turner. "He gave me various exercises to do. This began the day after surgery. About two months later, I began playing for about five minutes every few days—which was all I could do—gradually adding time as the hand became stronger. I also went to an acupuncturist which was helpful. As my fingers are not the way they used to be [restricted movement, lack of sensation] I have had to relearn some parts of the horn, various passages etc... particularly the altissimo. Presently I'm still working with it and am exceedingly happy."

Recommended Listening:
Mark Turner, Yam Yam (Criss Cross, 1994)
Mark Turner, Eponymous (Warner Bros., 1995)
Mark Turner, In This World (Warner Bros., 1998)
Kurt Rosenwinkel, The Next Step (Verve, 2000)
Mark Turner, Dharma Days (Warner Bros., 2001)
Fly, Sky & Country (ECM, 2008)