A Little Jazz Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chick Corea

Corea's fusion is only one facet of his vast reportoire, including classical and latin compositions, and a couple of albums with Mr. 'Don't Worry be Happy' Bobby McFerrin.

Answer: Miles Davis

There is nothing dark about Davis' 'Kind of Blue,' one of the most popular albums in jazz history, supposedly unrehearsed before its recording. His 'dark' side came later in his immaculate career, as he moved in a direction that most critics could not understand, and Mr. Davis refused to talk to media idiots.

Answer: Ornette Coleman

Ornette also recorded an album 29 years later which featured the late Jerry Garcia on three tracks, 'Virgin Beauty.'

Answer: John McLaughlin

Davis and McLaughlin's respect for one another was so great that each wrote a song to the other in the years after their association.

Answer: Art Blakey

Art Blakey's surrounding cast, many of whom grew to be the most respected musicians of their time, all agree, after their stint with Mr. Blakey, that they will never forget who their leader is and the importance of Mr. Blakey's oft-repeated statement, 'No jazz band is any better than its drummer.'

Answer: John Coltrane

The St. John Coltrane African Orthodox Church, in San Francisco's Western Addition District, has a mural of Mr. Coltrane above its altar, and uses Trane's explorations of our musical subconscious as an inspiration to their faith in the divine. Both religious and agnostic sects proclaim 'A Love Supreme' to be an emotional journey into the heart of a human being.

Answer: Charlie Parker

If you look at the main inspirations of every modern saxophonist of note today, Charlie Parker, 'Bird', is undoubtedly on their list. If you look at the men who play other instruments, you will find his name as well...he was a big man to many.

Answer: Louis Armstrong

Satchmo was in a few major movies (one named 'Satchmo'), in addition to his burgeoning career as a musician. His tension-free, humble, and intelligent presence as a musician - and his work's appeal to those who might otherwise have seen him as just another man of color - was an inspiration to all. Without him, we may never have noticed the Sinatras, Dean Martins, and Tony Bennetts of the world, all of whom have paid tribute to his courage and mimicked his presence on stage.

Answer: Milt Jackson

Arguing about the best man or woman ever to grace an instrument becomes much easier when you enter the world of the vibes. Milt Jackson is the indisputable king at this point in history.

Answer: Jaco Pastorius

Is it ever a surprise when an incredibly promising young musician is tragically removed from our world? Maybe they are smart enough to know that we don't want to see them grow old and lose our interest. Mr. Pastorius was one of the few who retains his timelessness.