I think the fat guy playing the bari
remained stationary.
Along the road to perfection at the Apollo, no doubt there
were some damaged horns in need of repair on the Chittlin' Circuit!
Back then, I saw a ton of music, but the most memorable thing
wasn't musical. It was at a club in Harlem named Small's Paradise.
Later it was re-named Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise after Wilt Chamberlain became
a partial owner. (Regardless of your size or wealth, in NY in those days you were
always partnered with some "fellows" from Brooklyn).
I was probably 17 with another person's draft card and along with a friend, was
there to see Ray Charles & his orchestra with the Raelettes.
The band was full of great jazz players and, as typical, they opened the show to warm things
up for "The Genius." After several numbers the lights dimmed and an announcer off stage introduced
the man himself, who then entered from stage left. He was led out by his long-time manager Joe Adams.
After seating at the piano he started to play an instrumental from one of his records called "Doodlin," written
by Horace Silver. Partially into the tune, Ray leaned over and, instead of correcting his balance, fell off the piano stool.
WOW!
Joe Adams rushed back on stage and helped Ray onto feet. They quickly closed the curtain and
shortly thereafter it reopened with the band, once again playing a few more numbers until finally, Ray re-appeared
and quite honestly, sang his ass off!
