Fred Lipsius Profile picture
I was the original arranger and saxophonist with Blood, Sweat & Tears (1967-71). I have 9 Gold Records and 3 Grammy Awards. Doing digital art since 2000. GM!

Apr 23, 2022, 6 tweets

1/6 Cannonball Adderley was one of my favorite jazz alto saxophone players. He had a very strong influence on my playing.

As a teenager, I saw him perform at Birdland with Miles Davis and John Coltrane. They played classic tunes from the "Milestones" album.

It was a once…

2/6 in a lifetime experience.

Looking back, I realize now how blessed I was! I know many can only dream of something like that.

Years later after Blood, Sweat & Tears had “made it” we invited Cannonball to sit in with us at our concert at the Greek Theater in L.A.

3/6 The afternoon of the gig, around sound check time, I met Cannonball backstage.

I went over to shake his hand but he just waved me off and gave me a big hug instead!

That night, he used a BORROWED alto from a local music store - because his horn was broken. 😳

Cannonball…

4/6 took a solo on the 4-chord vamp ending of “Lucretia Mac Evil” - E7(#9) -> A7(sus4) / F#13 -> B7(#9). He played great!

After the show as I was packing up my horn, he came over to me and said, “Man, you can really play! I couldn’t tell from the…”

5/6 “…records.” I still laugh to this day about that!🤣

During my early years at Berklee College of Music, one of the courses I taught was the Cannonball Adderley Ensemble. My students played a number of tunes that Cannonball and his brother, Nat, recorded.

6/6 It seems like a million years ago, in another lifetime! But I have been so blessed to do what I love.

Those still waiting for your time, Spirit has a plan for you. Keep at it and you will get there!!

#NFT #NFTS #NFTCommunity #NFTartist #NFTJapan #art #jazzmusic #ClassicRock

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