For any musician of talent to be "dimly remembered," as was once written about Al Killian, is a shame in itself. If the subject in question was an accomplished high note trumpeter, it becomes a bit mysterious as well, as playing high notes with pizzazz is supposed to be what makes trumpeters famous, not obscure. There are even so-called "high note festivals," where musicians receive rousing ovations for such ear-piercing activities. When the so-called obscure musician was the victim of a shocking murder, and his name happens to be "Killian," it really makes one wonder how jazz history could have left this particular individual behind. Maybe there wasn't room for all his credits, which go on and on and on.
© 2009
