I Remeber Clifford - first heard in San Francisco

I've been out of the jazz scene from quite some time. But I'm looking to play the sax again! I grew up in San Francisco in the 1950's and 1960's and then moved to L.A. in 1973 when it seemed I needed to get a real job. But before then, I did what I could to make it as a jazz saxophone player. Growing up in the late 50's, jazz was all the rage! There were lots of great players in San Francisco at the time and there were several jazz clubs around, like Jimbo’s Bop City on Post St or who from SF remembers the Jazz Cellar on Green street. If you know that club, then I probably bumped into you there. It was a great place where nothing mattered but the music. All of the problems and prejudices of the world were checked at the door.

I first heard Miles play at Parkers Soulville on McAllister in the early 1960's. I was just a kid, but had no problem getting in. He was doing some far out stuff and I remember thinking how out of touch his music seemed to me. But just as I was about to leave the club, he started in on Benny's tribute tune, "I Remember Clifford". I was too young to know Clifford Brown, but when Miles started in on this tune, the whole place stopped and I knew something was happening. It was as if the preacher had walked into the room. Miles had a way of commanding respect and this tune seemed to really connect with the musicians hanging out.  It wasn't until much later that I realized what this tune represented. But even as a dumb kid who loved jazz but knew nothing of it, I could hear that this was an important moment. Miles really laid it all out. I can also remember sneaking into the Black Hawk in the Tenderloin district to hear Stitt as a kid. That cat could blow the horn like no other!!!

Anyway, I'm breaking the horn out after 35+ years of non-use. I have a Selmer Mark VI. Is this still the horn of choice? I know its what everyone played back when I was active. How about mouthpieces, I have my Otto Link from the 60's, but I"ve read great things about some modern makers such as Jody Jazz. Are these mouthpieces worth the hype??

Thanks!
Chuck

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