BLACK / NOTE

In 1990, bassist Mark Shelby heard about a performance space in Los Angeles called the World Stage that was funded by drummer Billy Higgins and often featured open jam sessions. In August of that year, Shelby met trumpeter Richard Grant at the World Stage, and a couple months later they were joined by drummer Willie Jones III and altoist James Mahone. Jamming each night at the World Stage from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. gave the musicians an opportunity to form and solidify a group sound. They played their first gigs in January 1991 and among their first pianists were Eric Reed and Kenneth Crouch. However, by the time the group recorded its first set, 43rd and Degnan (for the World Stage label), Ark Sano was Black/Note's regular pianist. When Grant received a scholarship to Rutgers in February 1992, he left the band. After a period as a quartet, Gilbert read more...