“My being is captive to
The concept of time
The universe calls
I answer in Rhymes…” — Eugene McDaniels
February 12, 1935 – July 29, 2011
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“My being is captive to
The concept of time
The universe calls
I answer in Rhymes…” — Eugene McDaniels
February 12, 1935 – July 29, 2011
Our loss is indeed the gain of the universe. So glad to know he found the soulmate for whom he had been searching. My son, now almost 40, remembers at five, how kind Gene was to him. I too, remember his kindness, and a creative spark that was never extinguished.
Though the years have passed, you remain one of my most cherished and beloved friends. You taught me it was okay to be who I am. You helped me find my own voice. Forever, I am grateful to you. You were a man of great integrity who loved all and gave unconditionally to those around you in need. I will never forget the genuine love you showed my son, heck you even offered to raise him for me if life became to tough. I still remember all you taught me about writing, when to publish and when I was ready, talk to you. Well I’m talking to you now! Fly free my friend! My prayers and love go out to Karen, Dali, Dillon and the rest of the McDaniels family. Thank you Gene for being such a brilliant, shining star!
I have been a Gene McDaniels fan since his first release. My uncle had a friend who worked at a local radio station in Rhode Island. He gave my uncle a DJ copy of Gene’s first release and it came to me. I loved it even thought its style was not what I was used to hearing (I was 13 at the time). I played it over and over and then was excited to hear the newly realeased “100 Pounds of Clay” on the radio. I followed Gene even up to last year, buying “Evolutions Child” and “Screams and Whispers.” I will miss him very much, being comforted only by being able to listen to his wonderful voice for the rest of my life. I have over 117 of his songs in my Ipod. RIP Gene.
Here’s a review I had posted on cdUniverse just after the release of Evolution’s Child.
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars) 5 stars
5 stars Consistently great material, phenomenal jazz vocals.
47 years ago Gene McDaniels (best known for hits like A Hundred Pounds of Clay, Point Of No Return, Tower of strength) recorded a jazz oriented LP called The Wonderful World of Gene McDaniels. While his pop performances were a refreshing change from the mediocrity of that era, this extraordinary LP told fans of his potential. Songs like Nat Adderley’s “The Old Country”, and standards like I Have Dreamed, Get Your Kicks on Route 66, Blue Velvet, Love Theme from The VIP’s, and Baby Won’t You Please Come Home were all given very creative and skilled interpretations. One song that forecasts his current work was more or less an original—he put lyrics to Thelonius Monk’s “Straight No Chaser”, and also did some great scat singing. Not that his output over the last 47 years has been a waste! He reincarnated himself a few times, as the “Left Reverend McD” in the 70′s doing a cross between Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and Mel Torme (really–just listen to the “Outlaw” or “Headless Heroes of the Apocalpys” lp’s), and also doing some great production work on other people’s lp’s. And he began writing great songs. (Compared to What was recorded by Les McCann and Eddie Harris; “Feel Like Making Love” has become a standard. It’s so great that Gene is once again recording. Screams and Whispers from about 5 years ago has an incredible range of songs, including one of his best songs ever�Nuclear Dancing. But it�s still not the jazz album that those of us enamored by “The Wonderful World of Gene McDaniels” was waiting for. Evolution’s Child just might be it. It’s a record that keeps sounding better with repeated listenings. Musically and lyrically it’s an evolution, with Ted Brancato supplying hauntingly beautiful melodies and piano–while Eugene has also put excellent lyrics to compositions by the likes of Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, and Carri Coltrane. The lyrics depict an evolving spirituality finding the higher power in each of us and in each of our deep connections. It’s amazing how great he still sounds even at age 74�maybe better than ever! Listen to the Sarah Vaughan influence on Curious Traveller (adapted from John Coltrane�s Giant Steps). It’s musically sparse, but so rich vocally and lyrically. Most of the tracks consist of just Eugene McDaniel’s voice and Ted Brancato’s piano–except for a couple tracks featuring Ron Carter, and the occasional other guest. Other highlights: “Healing the Wounds”–the first song he ever wrote with Brancato and a gorgeously melodic affair–and my other favorite–Eddie Gomez’ “Forever” (entitled here “Sweet Forever”). There is a nice break from the balladry with The Golden Trine�the only track with drums, and one of two that weren’t co-written (although he credits inspiration from his son Mateo). This song was obviously influenced by John Grey�s book �Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus�, accepting that we can �meet in the middle� Throughout the 60+ minutes of music, his taste is impeccable�both in his selection of songs and in his vocalizing. I’m hoping that this CD will soon be discovered by the mainstream jazz publications (eg. Downbeat),and heralded as one of the finest jazz cd’s of the decade. -Larry Saidman.
I remembered Headless Heroes back when it was first released. One local station used to play the title track on a nighttime jazz show. Could never find it in stores and when I special ordered it, it would never show up. (Are those stories true about it being quashed? Hmmmmm.) Eventually I forgot about it. Over the years, I thought about it, would occasionally look for it but always came up empty handed. Finally a few months back in came back into my consciousness (for no apparent reason). I searched for it, found it and picked it up.
Wow! It’s a masterpiece of its era right up there with What’s Going On, Superfly, Shaft and The Payback. The man spoke truth to power.
Goodbye Mr. McDaniels and thank you for what you did.
I grew up listening to Gene McDaniels songs on KOIL (AM 1290) in Omaha. He was invariably announced as “Omaha’s own Gene McDaniels”. I was surprised to learn that, decades later, we still lived pretty close together, with him just down the road in Kittery Maine. Sad to hear of his passing, I enjoyed his music very much.
Gene has always been and always will be a special inspiration to me. I grew up listening to and singing his music and enjoying the times we had together as a family. Gene, give my husband and your first cousin, John Sherman McDaniels my love. I miss both of you …RIP
A sad day to hear of Gene’s passing. I have been wearing out my vinyl copy of Outlaw since I picked it up in a record store 6 months ago in Belgium and had become a massive fan. I could feel the warmth, intellect and spirit – even moreso after watching the recent clips that he put up on Youtube. We will miss you. See you there!!!! Paul Brett, London.
I feel stunned to learn of his passing. I spoke with him a few months ago for almost two hours; We were discussing bringing him to Michigan for some performances. I felt SO honored to meet him in that way. He brought me to tears telling stories about his life, all he went through to become one of the most amazing songwriters and singers, yet keeping such a low profile in many ways.
I wanted so to meet him and present his music to audiences here. Twas not meant to be…
Such a loss for his wife, family and friends.
Candice
CHECK MY BLOG AT ANNRUCKERT.COM. A CUTE PICTURE OF GENE, HE WAS FREQUENTLY HERE, HIS HOME A WAY FROM HOME. FIFTY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND MUSIC, TRUST AND LOYALTY. IT WILL CONTINUE. HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE THROUGH HIS MUSIC, AND HIS SPIRIT. I CAN FEEL HIM, AND SMELL HIM, HIS MUSIC WILL INSPIRE US FOREVER. I AM SO LUCKY THAT I HAVE LIVED IN HIS LIFETIME, AND BLESSED THAT HE CHOSE ME FOR A VERY SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP.
MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU, WE ARE BOUND BY MUSIC AND LOVE ALWAYS.
I paid respects to Gene on my radio show last night on KPOO fm and KPOO.com. I
always enjoyed his records.
I met Gene at possibly, Stan, the same sushi bar-worked there- in the 80′s…I also worked with Karen…Gene was a wonderful soul, full of life and laughter…Even though i have not seen either he or Karen for many years, i wanted to leave a post here and say goodbye Gene…It was a pleasure to have met you!
I met Gene at a sushi bar. He pegged me as a fellow Aquarian in less than 5 minutes. Our quick lunch turned into 2-3 hours as I listened to his music. We were good friend long before we met. A few weeks later I called his home and discovered Karen (his steadfast companion of decades) was a long time friend of mine I’d lost touch with. A “small world” described our relationship. Over the years Gene, Dennis and I would meet for shooting, editing and lunch every week at my home. The comradery was obvious/pure and honest. We would get each other laughing until we cried. My wife and especially my kids absolutely ADORED him. I will miss Gene like oxygen. BUT… if I can channel what Gene would say about this… “Well then, better get used to breathing water… good thing we’re Aquarians”.
RIP my friend. There are few people in this world I have enjoyed spending time with as much as you. Save me a seat at the sushi bar.
Missing you Gene!
hey gene miss you.