RUFFIN: NOW, A JAZZ MOMENT

Rite of Spring under

Richard Davis: When he conducted it was so rhythmic and it was like his baton was just a part of his body. And I just loved being in his company.

NEA JAZZ MASTER RICHARD DAVIS, A CLASSICALLY TRAINED BASSIST, ONCE PLAYED THREE CONCERTS FOR LEGENDARY COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR, IGOR STRAVINSKY.   Richard Davis: And that last concert he had to exit off my side of the stage. He didn't say nothing, just walked over to me and just....You see this shoulder here? That’s where he touched me. Man.  I'll never wash that shoulder again. Haven't washed that shoulder in 60 years. Dirt just piles up.   

Rite of Spring up, hot

THIS JAZZ MOMENT WITH RICHARD DAVIS WAS PRODUCED BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

Excerpt of “Le sacre du printemps …” composed by Igor Stravinsky, conducted by Leonard Bernstein and performed by the NY Philharmonic, used courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment.