Performance to benefit John Norment at Riddle's this Sunday, November 27

Saxophonist John Norment is one of St. Louis' finest jazz musicians, a consistently inventive player and composer who can perform in a variety of styles from straight-ahead to free improvisation. Unfortunately, Norment has been in poor health in recent months, and so local musicians are joining together for a benefit performance to raise money for his expenses and medical care. The event takes place beginning at 7 p.m.this Sunday, November 27 at Riddle's, where Norment has held down a regular Sunday night gig until recently.

Musicians scheduled to appear include vocalists Jeanne Trevor, Erika Johnson, Mae Wheeler, Debbie Lennon; saxophonists Freddie Washington, Dave Stone, Willie Akins, Chad Evans, Jeff Anderson, Paul DeMarinis; trumpeters Danny Campbell, Floyd LeFlore, Randy Holmes, Mike Parkinson; pianists Ptah Williams and Nick Schlueter; guitarists Dave Black and Tom Byrne; bassists Jeff Anderson, Raymond Eldridge, and Willem von Hombracht; drummers Jerome “Scrooge” Harris, Steve “Li’l Dynamite” Tatum and Demarius Hicks; and more. There will be no cover charge, but the hat will be passed and generous donations are encouraged.

A personal note: I've worked with John Norment a number of times, both as a musician performing alongside him in an ensemble, and as an event producer overseeing concerts that featured his groups. In addition to being a terrific musician, John is just a great person to be around - he's a thoughtful man with interesting ideas about everything from music to philosophy, but he's also got a wacky and occasionally ribald sense of humor. I fervently hope he enjoys a swift and complete recovery, and in the meantime, you can help by supporting this event.