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McCoy Tyner

McCoy helped start it all…

Posted on December 7th, 2010 in with | Comments Off

Star Tribune: December 4, 2010

In addition to having a hand in shaping modern jazz into what it is, McCoy can be credited with helping to bring national jazz to the Twin Cities. Sure, there had already been some pretty heady players from the Twin Cities, and a healthy jazz scene along with national radio exposure (without which it would not have been possible), but McCoy helped to shape a local venue into a go-to spot for major-label and nationally touring jazz bands… eventually to become one of the hallmarks of U.S. jazz venues.

Before the Dakota was even an idea in Owner Lowell Pickett’s mind, a friendship with McCoy Tyner was formed as Lowell had helped book Tyner to play at the Guthrie Theater in 1976. Finding much in common, they stayed in touch and visited as often as possible, even coming close to starting a jazz documentary project in New York together.

Some years later, Lowell opened the Dakota’s doors and began featuring local jazz, which quickly became the hot spot for jazz enthusiasts and artists alike, but it would be few years before national jazz made an appearance at the Dakota, in the form of McCoy Tyner. It didn’t come together so easily, but once McCoy Tyner heard it was Lowell’s club that his agent was trying to book, McCoy must have said something akin to, “make it work,” because the follow-up call from the agent made it clear, it’s wasn’t about the money, just get a good piano for McCoy to play.

After crazy low prices and a packed house for two nights, word spread to other big players (thanks to McCoy) who all followed suit and pretty soon the Dakota was gaining a reputation amongst players that this was THE place to play, which still continues to this day.

It’s easy to forget the humble beginnings when your enjoying a delectable meal and great music because the Dakota just oozes sophistication and charm, but if it weren’t for the artists and bold business decisions, this club could have disappeared into obscurity… so thank you Mr. Tyner and Mr. Pickett, we all enjoy what you had a hand in creating.

Read more about this in this article at startribune.com.