Dennis Irwin was one of the best of the last generation of straight-ahead jazz musicians who got it from the source: He learned harmony from Al Haig (Bud Powell's favorite pianist and an important part of some of Charlie Parker's best records) and his first major gig was with the headmaster, Art Blakey.
I didn't know him well, but I played with him a tiny bit (notably after-hours duo at the Village Vanguard; I had to get drunk to work up my nerve to ask him to play) and picked his brains when I could. I now wish I had interviewed him at length, since he was a real griot about so much information concerning the practice of straight-ahead jazz.
When these major players leave, the knowledge leaves. You can listen to recordings and practice obsessively, but a few words of wisdom from someone like Dennis Irwin (especially when you are opened up after seeing him play a great set) is worth innumerable hours of flailing about on your own.
Irwin told me is that Al Haig loved to practice Chopin, and that Haig felt that good jazz harmony should obey the same rules that Chopin used. I've considered this seriously since, and hear Haig and Powell a little differently because of it.
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When I first came to New York in 1991, one of my favorite groups to see live was John Scofield's storming band with Joe Lovano, Marc Johnson, and the exceptionally young Bill Stewart. I regarded Johnson as the hero of the group, especially for his long pedal points that freed everyone else to take off.
When Johnson left, Irwin took the chair. I didn't really know Irwin's playing yet, and assumed that I would be disappointed. I wasn't. Irwin not only walked his ass off - AS ALWAYS - but played interesting pedals too!
Irwin always knew what the music required and always selflessly delivered it. I even saw him play a really good free-form gig with Bill McHenry. He didn't seem to care about a name career or musical politics. He seemed to just love playing music.
I have never heard a word against him anywhere from anyone. He was a soulful cat that everybody loved.
There is now a void.
