Welcome to the blog of Dennis J. Woodyard - Journeyman Artist, and Dragonfly Entertainment. Former TV animation producer/director, storyboard artist, character designer, writer, concept artist, Flip book designer, and other professional credits.
Here is my annual tribute my father, Sam Woodyard, a great Jazz drummer, for legendary Duke Ellington. I found this youtube clip which features a tasty drum solo by Sam. Enjoy.
I also like to thank Tom Pethic, a Jazz DJ on monday nights at JAZZ 90.1, in Rochester, NY. Tom was playing the Duke Meets Coleman Hawkins CD, I called him in the studio just to thank him. He then showcased Sam's playing for the rest of his show. Thanks again, Tom. I encourage Jazz fans world wide to visit JAZZ 90.1 and Tom Pethic's website.
One of my last New Year's Resolutions was to renew my interest in music. as I November Night is one of our favorite original tunes, which I wrote. This was actually the first time all three of us played it together. Richard, the flute player, and I had work on it before. I always loved the way we did a "stop time" pause near the end of the tune. It was performed before an audience of one, Joyce Benitez, my girlfriend at the time, at her apartment. Fun was had by all, so before the cassette tape totally rots away, I thought I'd share with with the world. (At the risk of making a complete fool of myself...well, too late now) Enjoy.
The Iron Man - War Machine Comix Flipz book (concept demo) was done several years ago, long before the movie was started. It's made from a test clip from NIC Entertainment, an Korean animation studio did as a demo for Marvel. I wish I have the full clip to show, but I return the demo tape to the friend who lend it to me. The NIC did the art for the War Machine graphic novel released under Marvel Comics' MAX Comics imprint. Maybe I get to make some more, if Marvel is interested.
The Halo 2 Dragonfly Game Flipz Mirco-Book is the first Halo Flipz book I did originally as 5" x 7" book. This time, I shrank it to trading card size, just to see how small this flip book format would work. Actually it worked pretty good. Still, without a licensing deal I can't produce them.
Here's belated birthday wishes to the great, legendary jazz drummer, Max Roach. Yesterday, Jan. 10 was his 83 birthday. All the best, Max.
Max Roach was very close friend to my father. I only met Max once, but that was enough to get a strong impression on me of the greatness of character and integrity he has a human being.
The meeting was shortly after Sam have passed away. I had never meet Max, but had talk to him on the phone once or twice. He was performing at a club in New York and I went to see him with my future wife, Lisa. After the his performance I meekly introduced myself, I intent was just to say hello, briefly, and give him program from Sam's funeral. Max reaction was one of warmth and great kindness. He asked us to sit with at a table and warmly told us of his love for Sam, their friendship, and how glad he was I came to see. He said to call him anytime. I never had the courage to follow up with him on that offer. I didn't what to impose on him or any of my father's jazz friends. But I will alway remember with deep respect those moments I shared with Max Roach.
