Baldwin band holds concert for resident jazz master Roy Haynes at First Presbyterian Church

To celebrate the 85th birthday of Baldwin resident and jazz legend Roy Haynes, the Baldwin-based Matt Wilson Quartet performed a jazz concert for the community on April 18 at First Presbyterian Church.

Over 50 residents attended the concert, at which the Matt Wilson Quartet played its own numbers, as well as covering some of Haynes'.

Baldwin resident Matt Wilson, the band's drummer, said that the concert was done in part to inspire similar shows within the Baldwin community, but also to pay tribute to Haynes, whom he referred to as "the world's greatest living drummer."

"He's not only 85 — he's 85 and he's still playing incredibly," Wilson said. "It's like seeing Willie Mays as if he was still playing and still MVP."

Haynes — born March 13, 1925 — began playing professionally at the young age of 17, and soon after landed a drumming gig playing for the dancers of New York's Savoy Ballroom with bandleader Luis Russell. In his 20s and 30s, Haynes would go on to play with legendary artists like Lester Young, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Sarah Vaughn. In 2004, Haynes was inducted into the Down Beat Magazine Hall of Fame, and, two years later, the Jazz Journalists Association awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Haynes was out of town at the time of the concert, but Wilson said he called the jazz master to inform him of the show and wish him a happy birthday.

"I think he's just happy that I think of him," Wilson said. "We younger musicians want to pay tribute to him for the doors he's opened for us."

The Matt Wilson Quartet also includes Kirk Knuffke, on cornet; Ted Nash, tenor saxophone; and Chris Lightcap, bass.