Guitarist Jimmy Ponder (1946-2013): "Jimmy was not protective of the stage or his guitar. Music was always something to be shared, not hoarded away for a few sets. Sitting in on a set was always a transformative experience. Jimmy's Super 400 had absorbed his energy over the decades and listened just as intently as he did. I always felt that my honesty was being tested. Was I really cutting out the bullshit and saying something? Last March we finally arranged to play a gig together. Ponder had cut his finger the day before and the bandage made playing impossible. He laughed off my attempts at putting a silicone wrap on the deep cut and ended up playing the evening with no bandage. It was a great honor sharing the stage with Jimmy and we made plans to do it again. Unfortunately, he fell sick not long after."
A wonderful entry about a musician I regard as a legend. I collected all his early LPs during the Sonny Lester period and never have stopped playing them. Together with Cornell Dupree, Eric Gale and Melvin Sparks Jimmy played on so many sessions. Possibly only David T Walker exists today from that era.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Ponder, like Wes, will never be replaced both in personality and musicianship.
Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by. I agree with every word. A great man. Irreplaceable.
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