I find this video very, very spot on. My Uncle Frank did suffer from depression. Later I learned he could have been on medication. But he saw what the pills did to other musicians in terms of losing their hard earned skills and techniques. Therefore he never would anything to relieve his depression. Depression is like a black hole. Without help, nothing can escape its power or control. I miss his laugh, humor. But man do I ever miss not being able to watch him play live again.
thank you for the serious, sensitive and respectful manner you spoke about my personal favorite jazz trombonist. i wasn't there and don't know what happened. i've heard different versions. his artistic ability was simply astounding.
Without question, one of the greatest trombonist I ever heard. Simply incredible technique and with a beautiful tone. I still cherish the Bethlehem recording with Charlie Mariano and Carl Fontana that he did. A very sad ending of his life but an even sadder one for those who are living with and silently dealing with what made him take his own life and that of this son.
I did a gig with him (and Buster Cooper) waaaaaay back when I was still playing....it was lots of fun....believe me...even on stage and what I already knew...that was a master class and I walked away having learned a lot! (Buster was a close friend...both of us Florida boys.....) Bruce Paulson...another of my 'bone playing pals (we went to college together)...told me about Frank's death...it was crushing.....
It's really difficult for me as a trombone player because part of me wants to listen to his music (much of it is brilliant), while the other part of me is disgusted. I feel like I can't listen to any of his music when I think about this. Especially his singing, where lyrics seem to take on new twisted meanings now that I know what happened at the end of his career and what was revealed afterwards. I think he may've thought he was doing his sons a favor in a really messed up sort of way, because he didn't want to take his own life and leave his children to die alone. But that is a completely insane thought. Even worse, I believe his death inspired J.J. Johnson, who later took his own life by gunshot after health and drug complications left him hopeless. In the end, I'm glad one of the sons managed to live and be supported by the community moving forward
Frank suffered, probably not knowing it, from BIPOLAR DISORDER. This disease is both DEPRESSION (chronic) and episodes of MANIA (heightened activity awareness and animation). These diseases of the mind are DEADLY. That is the answer. These diseases are subject to a lot of research because even though they are not super common they are often very dangerous. It is part of the weirdness of the world that Frank Rosolino was also one of the all time greats of jazz trombone. All this can be true all at once.
I played with Frank’s best friend, Carl Fontana, for 7 months in Las Vegas in the late 90s. Carl had told me Frank was in a very dark place in the late 70s, often saying shocking and dark things due to his distaste of the world and life in general. Carl and others often had to walk him from the ledge. Frank was also a very good golfer and golf and his friends helped keep his head at bay. Frank’s wake was at Don Menza’s house in LA, Don confirmed much the same.
I find this video very, very spot on. My Uncle Frank did suffer from depression. Later I learned he could have been on medication. But he saw what the pills did to other musicians in terms of losing their hard earned skills and techniques. Therefore he never would anything to relieve his depression. Depression is like a black hole. Without help, nothing can escape its power or control. I miss his laugh, humor. But man do I ever miss not being able to watch him play live again.
thank you for the serious, sensitive and respectful manner you spoke about my personal favorite jazz trombonist. i wasn't there and don't know what happened. i've heard different versions. his artistic ability was simply astounding.
GREAT
J. J. Johnson, Roswell Rudd, George Lewis etc etc etc
Such a precious instrument the trombone❤
And Jack Teagarden
Without question, one of the greatest trombonist I ever heard. Simply incredible technique and with a beautiful tone. I still cherish the Bethlehem recording with Charlie Mariano and Carl Fontana that he did. A very sad ending of his life but an even sadder one for those who are living with and silently dealing with what made him take his own life and that of this son.
I did a gig with him (and Buster Cooper) waaaaaay back when I was still playing....it was lots of fun....believe me...even on stage and what I already knew...that was a master class and I walked away having learned a lot! (Buster was a close friend...both of us Florida boys.....) Bruce Paulson...another of my 'bone playing pals (we went to college together)...told me about Frank's death...it was crushing.....
Those solos never die I still listen and am still completely amazed.
Thank you for remembering Frank.
Thank you ❤
Hey man sincerely i dont think id be a jazz fan let alone a bass player if it wasnt for you videos so thanks
Can you do a video on john mclaughlin
It's really difficult for me as a trombone player because part of me wants to listen to his music (much of it is brilliant), while the other part of me is disgusted. I feel like I can't listen to any of his music when I think about this. Especially his singing, where lyrics seem to take on new twisted meanings now that I know what happened at the end of his career and what was revealed afterwards. I think he may've thought he was doing his sons a favor in a really messed up sort of way, because he didn't want to take his own life and leave his children to die alone. But that is a completely insane thought. Even worse, I believe his death inspired J.J. Johnson, who later took his own life by gunshot after health and drug complications left him hopeless. In the end, I'm glad one of the sons managed to live and be supported by the community moving forward
Frank suffered, probably not knowing it, from BIPOLAR DISORDER. This disease is both DEPRESSION (chronic) and episodes of MANIA (heightened activity awareness and animation). These diseases of the mind are DEADLY. That is the answer. These diseases are subject to a lot of research because even though they are not super common they are often very dangerous. It is part of the weirdness of the world that Frank Rosolino was also one of the all time greats of jazz trombone. All this can be true all at once.
Cool.
Thanks For Sharing
I played with Frank’s best friend, Carl Fontana, for 7 months in Las Vegas in the late 90s. Carl had told me Frank was in a very dark place in the late 70s, often saying shocking and dark things due to his distaste of the world and life in general. Carl and others often had to walk him from the ledge. Frank was also a very good golfer and golf and his friends helped keep his head at bay. Frank’s wake was at Don Menza’s house in LA, Don confirmed much the same.
Urbie Green. 😊