Starting in 2012, Kidd Jordan came to Columbus to play with us every year through 2017. In 2014, he also played Columbus with the French American Peace Ensemble. In all, Kidd played more than two dozen shows in Columbus at Dick’s Den, Natalie’s, Copious Notes, Transit Arts, K2U, Shadowbox, and the Hot Times Festival. Not to mention the workshops. Kidd’s connections to Columbus never rivaled Chicago or NYC, but we were probably third after them. He loved the audiences. He loved the musicians. (His last album featured Mark Lomax III and Eddie Bayard.)
As much as I admired and enjoyed Kidd, he gave it back. He told me more than once I was an important force for free jazz. He stayed with me when he came to town. He’d stay in his room and practice most of the day. I’d hear him playing a line from one of our songs over and over (and over) with the most minute differences in inflection. Once, when he came down for a sandwich, he said, “I don’t read music anymore. If they call me for a gig and want me to read music, I tell them no. You’re the only one I read music for.”
I was flattered, but ultimately he was an improviser. He never got flustered, because he was always ready and willing to improvise – in life, as well as musically. Several years ago, the Jazz & Heritage Center did a Jordan family tribute. I went down to New Orleans for it and Kidd asked me to bring him some reeds. He liked these hard to find reeds carried by a Columbus store. Most reed players I know work their reeds. They suck on them. They soak them. Kidd just put these reeds in and played. I’m guessing that’s why he liked them. Anyway… when I arrived backstage, there was some mild consternation because Kidd hadn’t shown up. His phone was going to voicemail. They asked me if I knew where he was. I’d just gotten off the plane, so of course I didn’t. Kidd hadn’t arrived when the show started, but he wasn’t on till the finale. Eventually, Kidd walked in. His phone had died and he had spent hours getting a new one. After everyone else had released their anxiety, he turned to me. “Did you bring my reeds?” He put one on, warmed up a little, and went out and played.
