Roy Haynes©Andrea Canter

If there is an “Energizer Bunny” of jazz, it has to be drummer extraordinaire Roy Haynes. At an age when even jazz musicians tend to slow down and take it easy, Haynes has done the opposite, revving up his engines with his “Fountain of Youth” Band—so aptly named for its leader, issuing volcanic recordings and traveling cross-country to share the beat. This week Haynes celebrates an unbelievable 85th birthday with a series of sets with special guests at the Blue Note in Manhattan, March 17-21. 

Roy Haynes

One of the most dynamic timekeepers in the business, Haynes’ career mirrors the history of modern jazz as one of the last of the great innovators of the 1940s who is still pushing the genre forward in the 21st century. Few working musicians in 2010 include the bands of Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie on their resumes; but many of today’s top 20-something rising stars are graduates of the “Academy of Roy Haynes.” Born March 13,1925 in the Roxbury section of Boston, Haynes taught himself to play drums, fascinated by the talents of Jo Jones, Sid Catlett and Chick Webb. Older brother Doug played trumpet, studied for a time at the New England Conservatory, and introduced Roy to Jo Jones; listening to his brother’s record collection and the big bands on radio were early influences on young Roy. “Doug knew everybody. He was my main connection to jazz.” 

Roy Haynes©Andrea Canter

Over the last 30 years, Haynes has primarily free-lanced when the sideman opportunities appealed to him, as well as spending more and more time leading his own bands. He supported the great Sarah Vaughan for many years (touring 1954-59), and at one time or another, he has managed the trapset for Eric Dolphy, Stan Getz, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Michel Petrucciani; he led the jazz-rock Hip Ensemble with George Adams and Hannibal Peterson. More recently he has mentored younger artists such as saxmen Ralph Moore, Craig Handy, and Marcus Strickland; his own son, trumpet/cornet player Graham Haynes; and now his grandson, drummer Marcus Gilmore.  

Numerous accolades and honors have been awarded to Haynes, including the “Living National Treasures of Jazz” (Museum of American History) in 1988; an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 1991; the 1993 inductee into the International Academy of Jazz Hall of Fame (University of Pittsburgh); the French Chevalier des l'Ordres Artes et des Lettres; numerous Down Beat polls. His Dreyfus release, a tribute to Charlie Parker aptly titled Birds of a Feather, received a Grammy nomination in 2002. In 2004, he released the explosive, live Fountain of Youth (Dreyfus), featuring Marcus Strickland, Martin Bejerano, and John Sullivan. Of Haynes’ then-approaching 80th birthday, Lloyd Sachs (Amazon.com) remarked, “Signs of slowing down? Forget it. The only one trying to catch any breath is the listener.” Roy and FOY followed in 2006 with Where As, recorded live at the Artists Quarter in St. Paul. 

Roy Haynes Birthday Celebration

Roy Hargrove©Andrea Canter

• March 17, Kenny Garrett and Bill Cosby. One of the most influential jazz artists of his generation, alto/soprano sax monster Kenny Garrett has been a major force since his first appearances with the Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis twenty years ago. Emcee Bill Cosby is one of the icons of 70s and 80s television, as well as a drummer and perennial host of the Playboy Jazz Festival in LA.
• March 18, Christian McBride and Roy Hargrove. Tonight Roy is joined by two of the most celebrated jazzmen of the past decade. Bassist McBride has been acclaimed as leader of acoustic, fusion and funk ensembles as well as sideman for a who’s who of modern jazz, including Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner and  of course Roy Haynes. Trumpeter Hargrove, like Haynes, has established himself as not only the king of his instrument but as a mentor for the next generation of artists who pass through his Quintet.
• March 19-20, Chick Corea. Multiple Grammy-winner Corea, like Haynes, is one of the living and working legends of modern jazz, whose music has changed the landscape of the genre, from his stint with Miles Davis and leadership of Return to Forever in the 70s to his 21st century ensemble, Five Peace Band.

Time, for Roy Haynes, never stands still--he always has something new to say. Hear what hearly seven decades behind the drum kit has to offer every jazz fan, of any age, why Roy Haynes is the perpetual Fountain of Youth! 

The Blue Note is located at 131 W. Third Street in Manhattan; www.bluenote.net/newyork. Visit the Blue Note site for information about the guest artist for Sunday, March 21st and to make reservations; shows at 8 and 10:30 pm.

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