Jazz Articles about Heath Brothers

We Three Kings: The Heath Brothers

by AAJ Staff
March 9, 2015

This article was originally published at All About Jazz in 2002. Bundle these three brothers' experiences and associations through their individual and collective careers, and anyone with even the slightest notion of jazz appreciation will indubitably realize the significance of the Heath triumvirate--bassist Percy, saxophonist Jimmy, and drummer Albert “Tootie." What an in-depth jazz history textbook could be created, based solely upon the Heaths' history in jazz. From bebop pioneers Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious ...

Heath Brothers: Endurance

by Larry Taylor
October 15, 2009

The Heath family is illustrious in jazz. Percy and Jimmy got their starts in the late forties, a part of the emerging jazz scene in New York. The oldest, Percy on bass, became part of the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952 and stayed with the legendary group for over forty years. Jimmy on reeds, meanwhile, has led and performed with the greats over the years. He has a substantial reputation as composer, arranger and educator. Albert “Tootie," several years the ...

Brotherly Jazz

by Ken Dryden
May 6, 2007

The Heath Brothers Brotherly Jazz DanSun Productions 2006

The Heath Brothers-- bassist Percy, saxophonist Jimmy and drummer Albert “Tootie --are covered in great detail in this documentary about one of jazz' most beloved families. The film lovingly intertwines their individual and collective stories, augmented by concert footage from one of their last appearances together prior to Percy's death. There are also numerous interview excerpts with each of the brothers as well as ...

The Heath Brothers: Jazz Family

by Jim Santella
December 1, 1998

Straight-ahead mainstream material – with solos from piano, guitar, trumpet, and each of the Heath brothers – makes for a listenable session. The ensemble has a genuine swing that sets your foot tapping and your head bobbing; this kind of atmosphere could even coax a wallflower out onto the dance floor. The big band arrangements on “East of the Sun" and “Easy Living" feature Jimmy Heath’s confident tenor saxophone fronting a brass section with intricately woven parts. Bob Stewart’s tuba ...