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| Irv Williams with Peter Schimke, at the Artists Quarter in 2012 |
© Andrea Canter
He's not just one of the faces of the Artists Quarter. Irv
Williams is simply the face of jazz in Minnesota.
The Cincinnati
native has been here since the 40s, and built a resume that include Fletcher Henderson,
Mary Lou Williams, Billy Eckstein, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny
Hodges. But perhaps it is his last decade that has been the most remarkable for
the tenor saxman known as "Mr. Smooth," as he has released a handful
of recordings (each one dubbed his last), held annual birthday parties (and
retirement parties!) at both the AQ and Dakota, and still holds a weekly happy
hour gig at the Dakota, usually with pianist Peter Schimke. He's weathered a
few health crises and is quick to note, when asked, that "I'm still
here." City Pages -- about 7 years ago-- noted that he is “..either
the coolest old guy or the oldest cool guy in St. Paul.” It's still true in 2013.
