Chicago guitarist Pete Cosey passed away earlier this week at age 68. Another original and under-recognized voice stilled.
Pete was a member of the AACM in the 1960's and played with Miles Davis' wild pre-retirement electric funk band in the mid-70's (Agharta, Pangaea, Get Up With It). I was fortunate enough to see him play with Miles a couple of times at the Jazz Workshop in Boston when I was a college student and was blown away. Pete sounded like nobody else, one of those musicians who was able to achieve a truly personal and unique sound. I've remembered and admired his playing ever since; although I am not a big guitar fan, his music was always worth seeking out. Pete apparently never recorded an album under his own name, although he came directly from Muddy Waters, the AACM, and Miles.
I found his obit on the blog Music Hertz, and there is an obit in the Chicago Reader that includes links to two interviews. RIP, Pete Cosey, thanks for the joy in your music.
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