The name of Spanky DeBrest will come up in discussions of hip rhythm sections; that is as inevitable as the sunset. The combination of the bassist's surname and nicknames may seem like something on the menu at a paddle party -- the background music would have to be "Spanky Wanky," a tune written in dedication to DeBrest by fellow Philly jazz renegade Alfie Pollitt. That song, however, is a downright obscure DeBrest reference compared to the sides with which many jazz listeners literally become abreast of DeBrest. His most famous affiliation is with master drummer Art Blakey on a series of recordings that includes a spellbinding collaboration with pianist and composer Thelonious Monk.
© 2009
