The following is a personal remembrance of the late great pianist Gerald Wiggins by someone who knew him personally, author/patron Mimi Melnick:
May 22,1923-July 13, 2008: Rest In Tempo
Like everyone else, I dug Gerry Wiggins--his drive and swing, his melodic inventiveness, his signature block chord choruses, his ear for ballads and blues. But for me, his singular talent lay in the way he backed vocalists. He was an accompanist without peer.
That is how I first saw him, years ago, supporting aspiring vocalists at an audition for a TV show. He was totally sensitive to each performers style and idiosyncrasies, unfazed by any lapses in meter, tempo, key, tone, or phrasing the singers sent his way. He carried the music onward, covering all blunders until singer and song were back on track.
Many years later, after we became friends, I was privileged to have Gerry play a concert in my home. I still treasure the photo of him seated at my piano that hangs in my picture gallery today. He was a frequent guest at my Jazz Salons; on several occasions, when invited, he sat in with the group performing.
Gerry Wiggins was a shining light in our midst, a gift to the jazz community. His passing is an irreparable loss to all who knew and loved him.
--MIMI MELNICK
FYI: A public memorial tribute to Mr. Wiggins is scheduled for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 28 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City; 323-964-9768).
