Let's hear it for Al Schackman

[Daddy Dom]

Alvin (Al) Schackman was Nina Simone's accompanist between 1957 - 2000. He's 90 years old.

I have been listening to Nina since the 1980s, my early 20s. Al's been there the entire time, playing as sideman to an incredible performer. I'm not surprised there are no entries for him because he's never been the type of soloist so highly favoured here.

I'm here to pay tribute to him and to point out to any other Nina fans that you've listening to Al all along, just doing his fabulous thing.

I wouldn't know where to start with what I love about his playing - just the way he's woven through everything - but I will share this favourite track: pure Al.

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

From what I have heard so far I consider him more a blues / rhythm & blues than a jazz player.

[Daddy Dom]

Perhaps, but I guess that depends on what you define Nina Simone's music as, too.