Louis Hayes is an upbeat kind of guy. And why shouldn't he be? He's an active player on the contemporary jazz scene at a time in his life when most musicians are storing away their drumsticks for good.
But Hayes is not about to slow down. Not with his Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band about to headline Murfreesboro's Main Street JazzFest on May 5. His enthusiasm for his life's work is palpable from the moment you hear his sing-song greeting, "Louis Hayes here!"
In a 50-year career that has defied the odds and proved to be one of jazz music's longest-running winning streaks, Hayes has managed to stay afloat through some of the genre's most turbulent times.
That longevity has been a gift for a musician who began his career as a performer at an age when most people are just learning to tie their shoes.
At the urging of his parents, Louis Hayes began his tenure as a drummer/piano player at the tender age of five. He soon discovered that the drums were his true passion, and he eventually gave up the piano altogether.
"My cousin, Clarence Stamps, taught me how to read," said Hayes. "All I had to do was practice playing in school." It was the school band that provided Hayes with his first exposure to playing as part of an ensemble. Within three years, he would be sitting in with much more experienced players in some of Detroit's most notable nightclubs.
"In 1955 I was playing at a bar with [Grammy award-winning reed player] Yusef Lateef. When the club owners found out I was only 18, I lost the gig." It wouldn't be long though, before Hayes' youth and relative inexperience would be all but forgotten.
By 1956 Hayes had moved to New York City, and soon after, offers to play with many of jazz music's major players began rolling in. "I wanted to grow as a musician and really become a part of the New York music scene," Hayes said. Soon, New York's jazz heavyweights began to take notice.
He was eventually asked to join the Horace Silver Band, a group with whom he recorded five albums in the 1950's. In 1959 Cannonball Adderley bassist Sam Jones saw Hayes perform at New York's historic Birdland nightclub and immediately asked him to join Cannonball Adderley's successful quintet.
He remained with Cannonball from 1959 to 1965. During his time with the soul jazz pioneer he was able to develop habits that would solidify his standing as a major force in the jazz community. He also learned the ethic that would ensure he retained that force for some time to come. In true Louis Hayes style, he expresses his philosophy quite simply. "You've got to have the ability to perform, stay in good health and be a nice guy."
After leaving the Cannonball band, Hayes was able to parlay his reputation as a dependable pro into a successful stint with the Oscar Peterson Trio. After helming several bands of his own in the 70's and early 80's, he joined McCoy Tyner's trio for three years.
Taking on the role of bandleader again in 1989, Hayes toured Europe for several years with his own quintet until New York DJ and club owner James Browne suggested that as the only living member of Cannonball Adderley's original quintet, Hayes should start a Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band.
The idea proved to be an inspired one. Hayes has found a great deal of professional fulfillment in paying tribute to one of his musical heroes. Says Hayes, "Cannonball taught me to love the art form, to hang out with the right people, to get along with people and to stay on top of the business side of things." These lessons, he says, have guided him through the often-choppy waters of the music industry.
Among the many pitfalls Hayes hopes to see his younger counterparts avoid - "know what's going on with your business. It's great to be able to play, but you have to be able to make a living. You have to continue to grow, and take care of yourself. Go in the direction that's best for you."
Forever the optimist, Hayes is hopeful about the state of jazz music. "The music isn't in any trouble talent-wise. The business of music-the venues and handlers-they're the problem," says Hayes.
He adds, "Musicians today have to find their own voice. There aren't too many small groups where the personnel stays the same over the years. If you are talented enough, you become a leader before you really have the chance to grow."
Young musicians would do well to heed the advice of a musician who's recording and performance roster includes names like John Coltraine, Kenny Burrell and of course, the great Cannonball Adderley.
"I'm really enjoying it," says Hayes of his recent success. "We're getting lots of accolades, and our CD [Maximum Firepower] is doing really well."
Louis Hayes more than holds his own with musicians Vincent Herring (saxophone), Jeremy Pelt (trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn), Anthony Wonsey, Rick Germanson (piano), and Richie Goods (bass ), with whom he'll be performing at the upcoming Main Street JazzFest.
Hayes has every right to be slowing his pace a bit, but all signs indicate he has no intention doing any such thing. After all, when he's found his perfect rhythm, why would he?
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