Jazz Police - Irv Williams Annual Retirement Party at the Dakota on May 14th

A number of years ago, tenor saxophone legend Irv Williams hinted at retirement in his liner notes for That’s All (2004), but clearly that was premature. Three CDs later, the then 88-year-old known fondly as “Mr. Smooth” issued a more dramatic hint with the release of Finality (Ding Dong Music) in 2008. But apparently the title only referred to Irv’s feelings about recording sessions, not performing opportunities. Last spring, Irv seemed more determined that we let him rest his chops, proclaiming his April gig and release of yet another CD (Duke’s Mixture) at the Dakota Jazz Club to be his “Retirement Party.” Shortly thereafter, he was back playing for the Dakota’s Friday Happy Hour with Peter Schimke. So, what should we think of his upcoming “Retirement Party” at the Dakota on May 14th? Hard to tell. How many times did Cher schedule her “final” tour? But if nothing else, we can be sure of a night of terrific jazz, a good enough reason to celebrate one of the musical treasures of the Twin Cities. As noted in the Pioneer Press, Irv is either “the coolest old guy or the oldest cool guy…” in town.

Peter Schimke and Irv Williams©Andrea Canter

Raised in Cincinnati and Little Rock, Williams started out on violin, switched to clarinet at age 11 to counter the effects of bronchitis, and soon moved on to saxophone. Early in his career, he played in bands behind Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, and Billy Eckstine at such venues as the Apollo Theater and the Howard Theater. Irv first performed in the Twin Cities as a clarinet and sax player with the Navy during Word War II. Turning down invitations to play with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, he stayed in the Twin Cities where he taught in the St Paul Public Schools and played with the late Reginald Buckner. And here at home, Williams has played at every jazz venue, past and present, including the old Flame Bar where he was often back to back with such stars as Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, and Johnny Hodges. The first jazz musician to have his own “Irv Williams Day” granted by the State of Minnesota (1984), he has been inducted into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame and was pictured on the “Celebrate Minnesota” official state map in 1990. At the KBEM Winter Jazz Festival in 2005, Irv was one of three recipients of Lifetime Achievement Awards. Throughout his seven-decade career, Williams has focused on the Great American Songbook and the tenor sax as a solo vehicle. His knowledge of the idiom is legendary and fellow musicians marvel at his ability to play any song in any key. Noted Matt Peiken (St. Paul Pioneer Press), “Veteran saxophonist Irv Williams has always been about sweetness not power, and he's still gigging strong.”

Irv’s latest recording, Duke’s Mixture (2011), followed a stream of sublime releases, his fifth since his 84th birthday. A quintet with Peter Schimke, Steve Blons, Billy Peterson and Jay Epstein, the set list includes five original compositions from Irv and his vocal debut on “Until the Real Thing Comes Along,” along with a pair of Irving Berlin standards and a pair of blues tunes.

At 92, no one would blame Irv for hanging up the saxophone and just taking it easy. But, as he says, “I’m still here.” If this is really retirement, we can rejoice in celebrating all the music he has given to us over the years. If this is really just another excuse for a party, let’s enjoy all the music of the past, and all the music yet to come. Irv will be joined by long-time partner Peter Schimke on piano and a cast of “friends.” And a club full of fans.

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; www.dakotacooks.com; 612-332-1010. Music begins at 7 pm, $5 cover.