Damon Smith divulged the sad news in the comments section of a thread below, but I definitely feel Raphé Malik’s passing warrants a Bags entry of its own. I only caught him a handful of times (nearly all in various Vision Fest configurations- frustratingly, one of the few forums where he could reliably garner a gig). Each was memorable. Same too for his recordings, which remain lamentably limited in number, especially considering how long he’d been a part of the Boston and New York scenes. 21st Century Texts (FMP), ConSequences (Eremite), and Sympathy (Boxholder) are going into the Muvo for this afternoon’s flight to D.C. I don’t have time to write much more at the moment so here are two interviews, one audio, the other print, that shed light on his life and work. I’d like to think he’s happy in the hereafter jamming with his old amigos Frank Wright and Jimmy Lyons. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Our High School library inexplicably had a copy of The Cecil Taylor Unit's eponymous New World record release, the one with Idut and Serdab I believe. This was my introduction to Raphe Malik, who from that point on, has always been one of my favorite trumpeters. The big, fat horn blowing above all that blowing, man, that opened my eyes, hell, my whole damn head. This is truly sad information.
Posted by: Jeffrey Little at March 9, 2006 8:25 AMYeah, I saw the sad news elsewhere on the net. Last year, I was trying to get AAJ to hook me up with an interview with him, but it never materialized. One of the greats, who will be missed down here but the aether has a lot more to gain...
Posted by: clifford at March 9, 2006 10:38 AMDamn, i really loved Raphe as a player and as a person. So glad he finally made it to New Orleans with Sabir Mateen's Quintet in late '03. We'd talked some about having his own group back sometime, but it didn't come together.
I still have a really thoughtful handwritten note he left me after staying at my house (along w/sabir and great pianist from Philly Raymond King)...the gig promoter didn't have drums available for Ravish Momin (whether Sabir forgot to tell the guy or the guy forgot we were never able to figure), so Raphe, Sabir and I spent a frantic hour or so at my house while I phoned every drummer in town to rustle up a kit. Finally I hit someone with a kit but not playing that night, and we managed to load 'em in just in time for the gig.
Raphe played so strong that night (at the Mermaid Lounge, now also gone)...he said he felt the special need to rise to the occasion because of the deep brass-playing legacy of New Orleans. He really got it that night. Kidd Jordan was there too, as was Malachi Richtser (visiting from Chicago) and we all egged him on (as did the whole crowd) to hit those declamatory clarion calls at which he was a master.
I also really appreciated the strength of his personality and opinions. No bullshit taken or given. His sincerity really came through in conversation, and he was clearly loyal and devoted to those he respected. Glad I got to know him. Will miss him.
-- rob cambre
Dang. This is sad. His work with Glenn Spearman and Cecil Taylor always was so inspiring to me. I've never been a big fan of jazz trumpet, but I really dug him. He had such a powerful tone and melodic sensibility even at the most chaotic moments. I wish I had seen him play.
Posted by: Tanner at March 9, 2006 3:08 PMThat's terrible news.
Posted by: djll at March 9, 2006 3:39 PM. . . and in regards to the 'jumping fences' thread, i quote raphe:
"I always had this thing where I was shooting myself in the foot, because I was looking for support where it wasn't. And when I had support, I wasn't even acknowedging it. At least now I'm trying to be a little more gracious about it. You get so jaded and sarcastic, because everything is so unequal in life. The haves and the have-nots, on that level. And yet I think it's really important to come out of that, like you're coming out of the primordial slime. Emerge from it and forget about it, just keep going."
rest in peace,
ww
Posted by: weasel walter at March 9, 2006 4:56 PMTruly terrible news!
"21st Century Texts" will remain his glowing masterpiece, as will his work with Spearman and Taylor, as well as FMRJE.
Sad, sad day, indeed.
Rest in peace!
Posted by: Tom Sekowski at March 9, 2006 5:18 PMSad, sad news. I live in the same little state as Raphe (VT) so I knew him, liked him, respected him, and found his manic but entirely sincere nature entertaining, a force of nature of its own, really, quite apart from his gigantic trumpet work. Cecil Taylor said in print that Raphe was the only trumpet player in the US worth talking about. Many have left lesser legacies than that.
RIP, Raphe. We will miss you, much, but I'm glad I got to hear you play. Every time I did was a major experience.
My deepest condolensces to his family and to the many cats who played with him and knew his greatness.
A largely unrecognized American giant, gone.
Posted by: Gary Sisco at March 10, 2006 4:52 AMfunny how it works, we can so competely affect each other without even being there. thanks weasel walter for passing something to run with...thanks and good-bye mr.
Posted by: merry fortune at March 10, 2006 9:49 AMLike him a lot.
With Taylor, With Lyons (on the Ayler Box) or on his own and particularly "21st Century Texts" (FMP),"Sirens, sweet and slow" (Outsounds), "Storyline" and the trio Malik, McPhee, Robinson "Sympathy", (both on Boxholder).
RIP Raphe Malik.
You got clearance to use that photo?
Posted by: Ted at March 16, 2006 1:11 PMLicensing check is in le poste, amigo. Tell me you’re going to attend the NYC Malik memorial.
Posted by: derek at March 17, 2006 7:26 AM"You got clearance to use that photo?"
During the mourning, bussiness continued to go on as usual.
Posted by: LeMo at March 17, 2006 11:45 AM.................................................. © 2003 - 2006 bagatellen ..................................................