Sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Andrew White. I plan to write a bit more about his fabulous book, TRANE 'N ME -- in my opinion one of the best books on jazz ever published -- very soon.

His records are valuable but undoubtedly you had to be there. White's tenor was like Coltrane plus: MORE notes, MORE intensity, MORE length. On record those sermons become unrelenting, especially since the rhythm sections are comparatively restrained.

I've heard it said that White was even more skilled as an old school European-style practitioner than as a jazz player: transcribing all of Coltrane (accurately), winning oboe competitions, building a business. Not sure if that is fair, but he certainly had remarkable breadth.

The blurbs for his second record LIVE AT THE NEW THING are impressive, including Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul...

I met him once in high school at a convention. (He had a booth selling his transcriptions, I bought Dolphy's "G.W.") In person, White was a bright blast of radiance. Unforgettable.

However, I truly regret never having never seen Andrew White lay down the law on a good night in the club. Reportedly his tenor saxophone could really get next to Trane, but in an authentic and unforced way.

All of jazz, but especially anyone connected to Washington D.C. jazz, mourns the passing of a spectacular and unique force.

From TRANE 'N ME:

more from TRANE 'N ME, on the reason to have your own business -- perhaps mildly NSFW

and finally, Andrew White on the art of transcription, from TRANE 'N ME: