Talk:Gerald Brashear

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My wife and I became close friends to Gerald and Wanda when I worked with Gerald at the Seattle Treatment Center (STC)in Seattle in 1970. Our friendship was more than casual. We shared our ups and downs and theirs too. Gerald's calm wisdom was much valued at STC; he was our Yoda before the movie.

Gerald's sax was much sought of in the 70s; he played with Della Reese, and Wyatt Luther. Gerald's conga skills were unique; he played melodies on the conga by moving his elbow across the drum face to create different note.

Wanda was a great mate for Gerald having been a big band singer mostly in the Midwest; she did a great soulful job of “Boogy Woogy”.

In the 70s the King County Musicians Union had a three day picinic at Norms Resort from Friday to Monday in mid August. This was jazz nirvana with 11 stages set up around the resort. It is hard to put into words what it was like to hear these great talents.

Later our friend Dick Schrum opened his Plaid Piper bar on Capital Hill to invitation only jazz on Sundays. Here I was honored to help celebrate Jona Jones’ 60th birthday with Cozy Cole drumming (and late Elvin Jones).

Gerald told me many stories of jazz scene in Seattle in the 50s and 60s. Shortly after WWII he was living and playing in an empty storefront in Pioneer Square with Ray Charles. As it turned out Ray was ‘discovered’ by the national jazz medium. At the same time Ray was introduced to chemical enhancers. So called friends would administer the compound. But occasionally the friend would send plain water through his veins. Gerald did a fabulous imitation of Ray being shot up with water – you had to see it.

When Gerald died, Wanda called me. I had to help the coroner move his body to their truck.

I was honored.