Wow! A God Gifted Man in Hiram Bullock! I saw Hiram many times over the years! Boston Common with David Sanborn and he would run full tilt right out to the crowd and back to stage just Laughing and blasting full out the whole time! Also Back In The day with David Sanborn and Marcus and Gadd and Don Grolnick on this one very specail night! I was Front Row Center in London!! They Opened for Jarreau "Live in London" Ohhhhhhhh!! To have that portion of the show on dvd today!! Hiram was in a leg cast that night from a broken leg and as always He ripped the roof off the house!! Not Too mention that band, that night ,in that Wembly Arena!! DREAM LIKE TILL THIS DAY!!! We Spoke while he was sitting warming up at edge of stage!! I still have those pictures! Not any level or style was left to cover truly!! GOD GIFTED HIRAM BEYOND!! Praying for you and family Hiram!! Thank's for making such an impact in the short years you had here! Paul Sarni

There are no words that can truly capture the musical weight of Hiram Bullock. He was someone who really cared about the music, & combined music styles easily together as much as his soul brother, Jaco did. I had the great pleasure of playing with Hiram for a week stint down at Catalina's Bar & Grill when it was still located on Cahuenga blvd in Hollywood. That night, as any night I saw him, Hiram performed with grace, soul , style & a musical vision beyond most guitarist, not to mention, an amazing sense of humor. God Bless you Hiram where ever you are, what ever you're doing, I know you're keeping it funky for us all.... Musically Yours...Alex Al

It was a really hard shock for us to hear from Hiram´s death. We lost a good friend. Thank you very much for 10 great concerts here in Aalen, Germany at the "Aalener Jazzfest". We will miss you this year!!! We were involved in the organisation of all concerts and it was always a great pleasure to meet Hiram. We will never forget this time!!!

The passing of Hiram Bullock bought back a flood of memories, some special ones at that. I first saw Hiram in person on David Letterman's Late Night Show. But what was so amazing about it, I was in the studio audience for the second and third show. This all took place back in late January 1982. What happen was that myself and my high school buddies Louie and Raymond were high school seniors a few blocks away from the NBC building. One afternoon we happened to be passing the RCA building and some how was offered stand by tickets for the David Letterman Show. We got on line and went upstairs to the 6th floor for the taping. I remember Pat Paulson was the main guest that night. But anyway, while seated, we were able to see Paul Shaffer and the band warm up themselves and the audience at that. They were playing mostly Motown covers like the Tempations and Stevie Wonder's "I was made to Love Her." They really smoked it and I became a fan of that song. The band had Shaffer on keyboards, Steve Jordan on drums, Hiram Bullock on guitar. There was a white bass player there who had a cool sound and stage presence(He would jump up on the beat during the show's theme) There was no way to know that was Will Lee back then. I would get to know Steve Jordan months later from my older brother's Live Blues Brothers album. But Hiram stood out for me that night, he was the closest in my view. He seem so cool and friendly, and had the guitar playing down to the tee. I remember him wearing glasses and wearing a dark jacket. He looked so cool as he was drinking a milkshake during the breaks. Anyway, when Dave announced that Hank Aaron was on the following night, we decided we had to score some more stand by tickets. We had a half a day at school the next day. We rush from 9th Avenue back up to the RCA building and scored some more stand bye tickets. We got some extras for a couple of friends. Anyway we all gather later on around 530 for the 630 taping. Again we got to see the band warm up the audience and themselves at that. I fell in love with the show's theme song during the two nights. Looking back at those early years of the show, the music and the comedy were really on the cutting edge and this was before the show got really popular and mainstream. But it the beginning it was on the edge and the band had alot to do with that. After the show, we ended up in the lobby where the main entrance. We were hoping to get Aaron's autograph, but he left before the show ended taping. We ending up see alot of local tv reporters passing thru. I remember seeing Hiram and Willle coming off the elavator that night with their guitar cases. One memory stands out during those two nights, the stage manager thank the audience for being good. Hiram himself faced the audience and say: "You were really great tonight." He then gave us a hand clap. This all took place during one of the breaks. We were never able to score stand by tickets ever again. But I still watch the show and look for the band playing. A few years later, I remember Hiram and Steve leaving the show. Back in the late eighties, a co-worker bought up Hiram's name up by mentioning the Letterman band. I told him I was familar with Hiram. My co-worker then told me he had seen Hiram in a Village club the night before and how he came on and tore the place up. Years later, I saw him return to the Letterman show and played a tune I believe was called, "In the Alley" or "The Alley." He didnt have his glasses and see to be bulked up in muscle. But again, it was great seeing him play and sing. Over the years I would come across his albums and see ads for him playing around town. I remember his promo photo showed him in a tank top, no glasses, short haircut and holding his guitar. But of course, when I heard Sting's cover of Hendrix's "Little Wing", the guitar solo really grabbed me, and it didnt surprise me it was Hiram Bullock performing on it. I was kind of shocked to find out he had a addiction all these years. A co-worker who was familar with Hiram, but wasnt a fan of his, was shocked as well when I show him the obit clipping. But in any measure, he looked like a very nice person and he was a great musican at that. The sad news bought back alot of memories and I just want to thank you for bringing so much joy with your playing. GOD BLESS YOU HIRAM BULLOCK Joe Powell

Wow! I am saddened. I just found out about Hiram's death 15 minutes ago. I saw him with Jaco and K. Dennard at Blues Alley in DC and was floored. I first heard him on an Idris Mohammed disc and he was cookin' then. He will be sorely missed. Larry Brack

I only just heard about Hiram's unexpected passing . I have been listening to his great guitar work going way back to the Seventies and have seen him perform many times in different places. His live shows were always terrific and memorable but the best ones I will always remember were those with Will Lee and Clint de Gannon at the now defunct Manny's Car Wash on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Absolutely awesome shows with Hiram's brilliant guitar action and Will's bass, all from first row. Unreal ! Aside from all his other recordings I've got at least one live CD from one of those shows to keep the memory alive. Hiram's music will live on.

Hiram, thanx for all inspiration,and love what you gave 2 me with your music ! You are the best....FOREVER! Rest in peace ,Ákos from Hungary

Non lo conoscevo. L'ho ascoltato, insieme alla Gil Evans Orchestra, a S. Lucia, in Sardegna, in un concerto di sera, in riva al mare, il 17 luglio, otto giorni prima che morisse. Suonava la chitarra con una virtù rara e generosa. Cantava con voce particolare, fonda, a tratti affannata, a tratti intensa e vibrante. Una voce antica. Era stanco. Tra un brano e l'altro si sedeva, affaticato, ma riprendeva con maestria a suonare, guardava noi pubblico, i suoi compagni d'orchestra, sorrideva. E' stato un concerto di emozione e magia. Ho acquistato un suo cd "Manny's car wash" da una donna vestita di bianco, gentile e molto affettuosa con lui, la sua donna, credo. Sfinito, dopo il concerto si è sdraiato sul palco, a recuperare energie e mi ha dedicato il cd. Mi ha salutato dicendomi "Enjoy!". Dovunque sia ora Hiram, la sua musica e la sua maestria proseguono. Ti sia leggera la terra, caro Hiram. paolo cozzi (milan) italy

We're gonna miss your positive thinking, Hirham! Rest in peace.

I will be prayed you.

When I was a 16 year old Miles Davis and John Coltrane fanatic, I received an xmas gift from my parents, a single second row floor ticket to see Miles at Music Hall in Cincinnati a few weeks later which would have been early 1987. I had not yet heard about the show when they gave it to me, so it floored me. I was thrilled to be there and didn't quite know who would be in the band; it was a pleasant surprise to see Darryl Jones, Bob Berg, and Hiram come out along with some of the other band members I was familiar with from Miles more recent albums and some footage I had seen on PBS from a couple of years prior. The show as a whole was a lot of fun and was better than you might guess considering the era for Miles; everybody seemed to be in a good mood and it's a great sounding venue, and they gave it their all despite the show being underattended due to a lack of promotion and the size of the room. Hiram broke a string on the first song and his tech came out and they changed the string seconds before he began his first solo, on the same tune. Several times through the night Hiram would stick out his tongue and make faces while soloing, and he had more of a Hendrix vibe than usual that night which I took to be either something Miles wanted or Hiram figured he would like. His solos fit perfectly with the style of the tune, every time, although this lineup was short lived and they were near the top of the tour. The audience was diverse and engaged the whole show and it's a memory I will always treasure. Thanks for the music Hiram, Miles, Bob, and everyone.

hiram and i lived on 24th street in the 1970's. one day hiram came up to my place and jammed with me and another guitar buddie, dennis heaven. we taped it and i remember one of the tunes we played was "along came betty" .hiram was playin. it's a memory i'll never forget. steve blum

Hiram was the guitar player on PDB, a hard to find bootleg record then from '89 with Kenwood Dennard and the late Jaco. I was immediately amazed by this tremendous funky guitarist...and didn't hesitate to buy the "Live in N.Y." -serie some years later when it came out...wish some more jazz affacianados would discover King Hiram of energy! Rest in peace, Mr. Bullock...

There are no words to express the sadness that I feel. It has been over 15 years since I last saw Hiram. I will always remember the great times that we had with him when he was out on the West coast playing. I will always remember his humor, smile and passion for his music. HB "Honey Bunny" you will always be in our hearts.

I just found out from a good friend of mine. "World's Most Dangerous Band" was a better, hipper group than the one that's been on Letterman since the move to CBS. Hiram and Steve Jordan were the reasons why.

I remember seeing Hiram play with David Sanborn outside one very hot and muggy night in the 1980s at the Mann Music Theater in Philadelphia. He ran thru the crowd playing his ass off with an energy and skill that I have still never seen repeated. The sounds he was able to get from both his guitar and vocal effects stay with me to this day. His playing on the Michael Franks song "The Camera Never Lies" is one of my all time favorites. Even though I tend to be a 54 year old rocker, a talented musician in any type of music brings joy to everyone. We will miss you and I'll play some of your songs and turn 'em up real loud for all (maybe even you) to hear. Rich Hall

I heard Hiram on several occasions in Pittsburgh. My band, Modern times, opened for them at the Graffitti. My favorite was at the same venue, when Hiram was playing with Jaco and Kenwood Denard. That night changed my life! Thanks for the greast memories and music Hiram.

Hiram Bullock has passed???!!!!!! This is news to me!! I just heard it 15 minutes ago!!! I KNOW him, man. I know him from Japan where I lived from 1980-2005. I'd be on the subway anywhere in Tokyo and bump into Hiram on the same train or look up and see him walking through the station!!! It had gotten to be not surprising anymore. The brother knew Tokyo well and was comfortable there. He used to hang out at Pickford nightclub in Roppongi -sitting in all the time. I was just YESTERDAY looking at an old James Brown clip from David Letterman and Hiram was playing in the band! I am shocked and saddened. He was a hell of a guitarist. I'd recognize his sound anywhere. May Hiram Bullock Rest In Peace. - Marvin J. Miller

A great shock to hear of Hiram*s passing. One of the greatest funk artist ever. Here are some of my pics of Hiram: http://www.drjazz.com/conf/Syracuse07/Syracuse07-2.htm http://www.drjazz.com/conf/Syracuse07/SYR07IMG_5503b.jpg http://www.drjazz.com/conf/Syracuse07/SYR07IMG_5555a.jpg http://www.drjazz.com/conf/Syracuse07/SYR07IMG_5598b.jpg http://www.drjazz.com/conf/spain00/00ss-6.htm

I will absolutely miss this man, this musician. He gave me so many great musical moments to remember. I was fortunate enough to see him play live with Jaco, Marcus, Sanborn, solo with Will and others... every time he was electrifying. What a talent and what a spirit. And of course his performances on Night Music were sublime. A part of history. I wish I had been able to experience some of those amazing NY shows with Jaco and Will in person, but at least there are many recordings. I look forward to hearing the last couple of his solo discs, too. I just never got around to picking them up, and he hasn't toured in CA for some time, unfortunately (where I would usually buy them). I'm glad to see there are so many people speaking up about just how wonderful Hiram was. -Steve

a great incredible funky guitar player and a great performer. That´s a very sad news for all the fans of Hiriam. I keep you in my mind Dirk

Saw Hiram first time in Paradiso, Amsterdam balancing on the balcony while soloing. Been a fan ever since. Met him in Florida where by pure coincidence he was at a blues jam session. I will treasure the autograph he gave mem but not as much as his musical legacy. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Hearing Teen Town on Jaco's Live in New York: Punk Jazz literally changed my life. Thank you so much for the inspiration and the music. I owe you... Rest in peace. Edo

I first saw Hiram as a guitar player with Amy Winehouse on the DVD of the "Strat pack" - Concert. It was immediately clear that this is one of the greatest guitarists, but he was not credited on the cover. So it took me half a year to find out who it was. In the meantime I purchased all his DVDs.....

I saw Hiram on tour with Bob James and with David Sanborn. And he would do an amazing solo , jump off stage go up and down the aisle and in to the lobby of the venue while continuing to play the solo the entire time!!!!!!!! Super energy and showmanship and steady keeping the groove!!!!!!!!

I met Hiram at Yoshi's in Oakland about 10 years ago. We were all there to see Robben Ford. I told Hiram that I have "From All Sides", and that his solo on "Little WIng" is the highlight of Sting's "Nothing like the Sun". He was very low key and cool and said "Thanks, man". Very casual, gracious man and a stellar player. He will be missed.

I'll never forget the sound of your guitar and your deep wonderful voice. I've been watching you performing two times, enjoied so much. ADDIO HIRAM Francesco, Italy

I'm so sad! can you see my last e mail? people lost great guitarist you are great guitar player & great person! forever in me I made for you "That Guitar" at 1996 that was a good great memory !You & Me I'll play from now remembering your play style Thanks lot's! "Hiram Forever " Ryu Motoyama of Fukuoka, Japan. Love

Apple Morgan

15 years ago

Luthier Ryuou Motoyama of Key Music made the perfect guitar at the time for the best loved guitarist of our time. Ryuou's guitar concept was a simple working strat design, down to earth, nothing fancy with a natural bare wood finish, very much like Hiram's personality, however: Ryuou Motoyama's guitar became an absolute masterpiece in the hands of Hiram Bullock, as fine as the finest Stradivarius.

I remember seeing Hiram in the 80s in some show (who I cannot remember) in a NYC theatre - he did a standing backflip after his solo and the crowd went wild! I also saw him play with Jaco at the Blue Note in the 80s. Jaco had a lot of problems at that point, and we had seen him acting wild on the street that day, and thought he would not show. But sure enough, there he was, playing with Hiram that night, and it sounded incredible. He set the bar for NYC session musicians. It is so sad he has passed way too soon.

I met Hiram in my NYC rehearsal studio - Songbird Sounds. He was backing Phyllis Hyman. That band went on to become the 24th Street Band. All were amazing musicians from Miami U. I remember Hiram and I hanging in my "basement loft" on 16th Street - The Pitz. I played Steely Dan for Hiram. He had never heard them before, but less than one year later, he was playing on their album and he started using a vocorder (Haitian Divorce) for all of his gigs. I met many wonderful people and musicians through Hiram and I will never forget him or the way he played his Strat. He might be gone, but Hiram will never be forgotten. Steve I.

I first saw Hiram playing with Jaco Pastorius and Kenwood Denard at the Lone Star Cafe, and saw him play many, many times with a who's who in NY's jazz/fusion scene. For years his gigs at Manny's Car Wash were a regular pleasure. He will be missed very, very much.

Thanks for your music. Good bye. from Korea

Hiram, I'm glad I got to finally meet you last summer in Cambridge when you played outdoors with Kenwood & Tal for The CA&M Fest. And I'll never forgert seeing your tribute to Jaco at the Beacon in 2006, you & Will's rendition of Come On Come Over with the silly synchronized ass shakin' was the highlight of that show for me. God rest your soul, Electric Billy

I saw him from a live concert which held in Seoul, Korea. I guess he visited Korea several times. His favorite 62 strat was sold to Korean musician. Now he's gone, it's so sad. Peace.

I had the honor of meeting Hiram while he lived in Baltimore,MD before he became well known throughout the world.. Hi was good friends with my brother David and Frank. Frank and Hiram were in a band called Gabriel. I will need to find the cassette recordings of that band. Hiram was much younger than the guys in Gabriel and I was only 12 or 13. One day Hiram came to my house and while he waited for my brothers, we jammed on Hendrix’s Purple Haze. I had a crappy drum set and remember being amazed that I was jamming with Hiram. He was known in Baltimore as the kid that was going to make it. When we were finished, Hi said,” you know… you are pretty good. You just need to get a better drum set. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Well later that year I got a blue sparkle Ludwig kit. After Hiram moved to New York, he stopped by my house unexpectedly to see if I had a Tony Williams Lp. He said he needed it to learn the tunes for an upcoming Tony Williams tour. I was like oh my god…Tony Williams. I got to see the show when they came through Baltimore. WOW! Later, I saw Hiram with Sanborn when they played a Maryland show. The crowd was so excited to see Hiram since he was considered the local guy who did well. The energy was insane. I had seen a few more shows with Hiram way later after I moved to Southern California. He always amazed me with his kindness and incredible musicianship. Last year, I reconnected with Hiram through my brother Frank. Hiram played guitar on Franks latest CD release Below the Radar. Hiram was so cool to play on it considering the magnitude of his success. Hiram was down to earth and had nothing but respect for people. He will be deeply missed by me. Peace to you Hiram. Thanks. Gary Schwartz

Saw him with Sanborn in Portland OR at the Schnitz(used to be the Paramount). Had a killer solo where he went from playing feet dangling off the stage to running up in the balcony just ripping it up. He channeled Hendrix and a lot of other funky stuff shifting gears like it was drinking water. He definately will be missed.

You left a great legacy Hiram. You were truly one of the very great guitarists of all time and will be remembered well.