winter 2014 rambler.pmd

Transcription

State of the Society
by Paul Daspit
Executive Director
Hope you enjoyed the SDjazzfest
in November. I thought it was a blast!
In my opinion, the Swing Event could
not have gone any better, from the
Battle of the Bands to the huge dance
floor always with a mob of dancers of
all ages, to the continuous non-stop
music on Saturday until midnight. Yes,
for some it was a downer having the
dance floor in front of the stage, but
the band, connecting with the dancers
and vice versa, is a must for swing.
We’ve proven we can do it — now
we’ll try to find a dedicated swing
venue so everyone is happy.
Attendance and sales were up (yea!)
but so were expenses. We finished
about even, so all good.
Lots of activity going on in your
Society through 2014 to include the
annual Adult Traditional Jazz Camp in
January, monthly concerts January
through November, an information
booth at Gator By the Bay festival,
Society bands performing with the
Summer Concert Series in Balboa
Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion, all
leading up to the 35th Annual
SDjazzfest in November.
Your Society currently has about
750 members. We are in need of a few
volunteers with computer skills who
continued on p. 4
Monthly Concert
Dates for 2014
Great bands, some of your favorites
and some new ones, are on tap for the
Sunday concerts. For this year, the
concerts will NOT always be on the
third Sunday, so mark the dates on
your calendar. For February through
June, the bands and dates will be:
• Feb 23 – Royale Garden Jazz Band
• Mar 23 – High Society Jazz Band
• Apr 13 – Uptown Rhythm Makers
• May 18 – Cherry Willow Jazz Band
• Jun 22 – Blue Zone Jazz Band
Sunday concerts are a great time to
share our wonderful music with friends
and family, so invite others to come to
a concert with you. Maybe they will
even join the Society! And don’t
forget to bring along something for
the Youth Programs donation drawing.
Published by America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society • San Diego, CA • www.SDjazzfest.org
$5.00 Per Issue
Winter (February) 2014
Vol. XXXII No. 1
Festival #35 Will Feature New
Groups and Old Favorites, Too!
The rave reviews continue to pour
in for the outstanding music presented
at the 2013 San Diego Jazz Fest! We
have already assembled another super
lineup for the 35th Annual Festival,
including three groups that are new to
the event.
The Fat Babies Classic Jazz Band
(Chicago) plays Jazz of the 1920s; the
music of King Oliver, Jelly Roll
Morton, Bix Beiderbecke and more.
Josh Duffee’s Graystone
Monarchs (Davenport, IA) is a 10piece orchestra that specializes in ’20s
and ’30s hot dance music as well as
music from the Swing Era.
Corey’s Rolling Figs (Los
Angeles) performs tightly-arranged
vintage Jazz numbers and original
compositions.
The Jim Cullum Jazz Band has
cancelled its appearance due to a
scheduling conflict, but nevertheless
AFCDJS has put together a fantastic
program, including two groups which
will be returning after a brief hiatus —
the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band and
Connie Jones, Tim Laughlin and the
New Orleans All Stars. Also,
reedman “Gentleman” Jim Buchmann
and pianist John Royen will perform
as guest artists in small group
settings. Multi-instrumentalist and
vocalist Katie Cavera will lead her
own trio and will also perform with
Festival bands. The husband-andwife duo of Paolo Alderighi and
Stephanie Trick will once again
dazzle the audience with their
keyboard legerdemain. The South
Market Street Jazz Band will reunite
to celebrate its 50th year as a band,
with most of the original members
performing!
Festival #35 will also feature the
bands that our patrons enjoy so much
— High Sierra Jazz Band (now with
two cornets!); Red Skunk Band;
Yerba Buena Stompers; Cornet Chop
Suey; Grand Dominion Jazz Band;
Ellis Island Boys (formerly the
continued on p. 3
Fat Babies Classic Jazz Band of Chicago
Jazz Alive
WINTER (FEB.) 2014 VOL. XXXII - NO. 1
The JAZZ RAMBLER is published quarterly for
$15 per year ($20 foreign) by America’s Finest
City Dixieland Jazz Society. Address all correspondence to P.O. Box 880387, San Diego,
CA 92168-0387.
America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society is
a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 organization. For information about the Society, call (619) 297-5277.
Website: www.SDjazzfest.org
Fax number (619) 297-5281. Single copy
price $5.00. Editorial contributions welcome.
Contents of Jazz Rambler are copyrighted
© (2014) by America’s Finest City Dixieland
Jazz Society and may not be reprinted
without permission. Jazz Publications and
Jazz Club Newsletters may reprint articles
provided the following credit is included:
“Reprinted from the Jazz Rambler, San
Diego, California.” The Jazz Rambler and
Society functions are funded in part by the
City of San Diego Commission for Arts and
Culture.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Adams, President
Myrna Goodwin, Secretary
Gretchen Haugen, Treasurer
Jane Brown, Alice Contreras, Curtis
McKee, Ruthe Monteith, Jim
McNaughton, Lisa Richardson, Bob
Solsbak, Carey Jo Thoza.
AFCDJS STAFF
Paul Daspit, Executive Director
Hal Smith, Artistic Director
Crystal Solsbak, Office Manager
RAMBLER STAFF
Editor: Jay F. Levine
Staff Writers: Paul Daspit • Myrna Goodwin
Hal Smith • Jim McNaughton
Staff Photographer: Jerry Jones
Advertise in the Rambler
Advertising in the Jazz Rambler is one of
the best ways to reach a large exclusive audience
of Trad Jazz fans. With our circulation of
approximately 2,000 and an estimated readership of 3,500, you will be reaching thousands
of people who are interested in all aspects of
Traditional Jazz.
The Rambler is published quarterly. Deadlines are the 5th of the month, prior to the date
of issue. Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1.
Advertising Rates
Full page — $275.00
One Half page — 150.00
One Third page — 110.00
One Quarter page — 85.00
One Eighth page — 50.00
For a rate sheet, write AFCDJS, P.O.
Box 880387, San Diego, CA 92168-0387
or call (619) 297-5277.
AFCDJS is a member of:
• International Association of
Classic Jazz Festivals
• San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
• San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau
PAGE 2
— Here, There, Everywhere
(To have events included in the Jazz
Rambler or on the AFCDJS website,
submit updates by the 28th of each
month to Myrna Goodwin at
[email protected].)
DIXIE EXPRESS
Fuddruckers, Wednesdays, 6-8pm,
5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa.
Welk Resorts, 8830 Lawrence Welk
Rd. Escondido, “Festival Under the Lights
Theater Patio,” Tuesdays 5:30-8pm.
Dance floor, food & beverages available
No Cover, Confirm dates & time.
http://www.dixieexpressjbsandiego.com
[email protected] or (619) 561-8236
SAN DIEGO BANJO BAND
McDonald’s at El Cajon Blvd. & 54th
St. every Tuesday from 5:30-7:30pm
UPTOWN RHYTHM MAKERS
First Friday of each month, 8-11pm,
Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave.
San Diego. www.facebook.com/URMjazz
SOUTH BAY JAZZ RAMBLERS
First Monday of each month, 6-8pm,
Grossmont Fuddruckers, 5500
Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa
BAYSIDE DIXIE STOMPERS
Tuesdays, 6-8pm, Fuddruckers, 8285
Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA
REY VINOLE’S
WORKSHOP
DIXIELAND
Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, The Orchard, 4040
Hancock, San Diego (858) 581-9293.
THE SAINTS
St. Paul’s Villa Senior Facility,
2340 4th Ave., San Diego. Friday, 2-3:30
pm, (619) 384-7574. Musicians, dancers,
listeners invited.
PARAGON JAZZ BAND
Paradise Village, 2700 East 4th
National City; Feb. 21, March 21, April
18, May 16,, June, 20, July 18, 3-5pm
St. Paul’s Villa, Thurs. (except 2nd
Thurs.) 6:30-8pm, 2340 4th Ave., San
Diego.
La Mesa Adult Center, 8450 La Mesa
Blvd., La Mesa, Feb. 7, May 30, Aug. 1,
7-10pm More Info: 619 435-3931 or
[email protected]
HIGH SOCIETY JAZZ BAND
Check the website schedule for
upcoming gigs. More info Larry (858)
277-5294. www.highsocietyjazzband.com
WINTER (FEBRUARY) 2014
LAKESIDE JAZZ CLUB
1st Sundays (951-245-9504), Lake
Elsinore Elks Club, 33700 Mission Trail,
Wildomar, CA, 1:30-4:30 pm (Featured
band at 3pm)
Feb. 2—Hotel Wolverine
March 2—Coyote Hills
April 3—Revelation Jazz Band
May 4—Lakeside High School JB
June 1—Paragon Jazz Band
JAZZ ASSOCIATION OF
GREATER SAN DIEGO
Concert Schedule: www.jazz4u.org/
events.html or 760-753-0456 or 858-4592559.
RAMONA SENIOR CENTER
Fridays, George Newman, Dixieland
and “oldies” piano, 11:30am-1pm.
Musicians welcome, 434 Aqua Lane,
Ramona, (619) 876-4300 X146
RAMONA TERRACE ESTATES
Dixieland to Rock & Roll, Fridays,
3-5pm, musicians welcome, (760) 3152912, 1212 “H” St. #152, Ramona
GOLDEN EAGLES
Sundays, 1-4 pm, call for dates.
Steamer’s Restaurant, 138 W.
Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton. Call
for info at (626) 799-1761
CJ SAMS and KATIE CAVERA
Curley’s Café, 1999 E. Willow (at
Cherry), Signal Hill, CA. Free.
Wednesdays. Best to confirm dates and
times. Info: www.katiecavera.net.
RAGTIME BANJO BAND
The Stag and the Lion, 850 Tamarack
Ave., Carlsbad, CA. First Wednesday, 67:30pm. (760) 434-7824
ROYALE GARDEN DIXIE BAND
1st & 3rd Mon., 7pm, El Patio
Restaurant, 1750 W. La Palma Ave.,
Anaheim. More info – 951-898-2174
CROWN
BAND
CITY
DIXIELAND
Wednesdays from 6:30-9pm, Burger
Continental Restaurant, Pasadena (626)
792-6634
BALDY MOUNTAIN SWING
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 8-10:30pm, at
continued on page 4
JAZZ RAMBLER
Fest
#35 . . .
Continued from front page
Reynolds Brothers); Night Blooming
Jazzmen; High Society Jazz Band;
Dave Bennett Quartet; Titanic Jazz
Band; Dixie Express; Euphoria Brass
Band; Mission Bay High School
Preservationists; and Sue Palmer
and her Motel Swing Orchestra.
At the 2013 Festival, the “Swing
Extravaganza” was a smashing
success. This event, as well as the
“Battle of the Bands,” will be repeated
at the 2014 Festival, with Josh
Duffee’s Graystone Monarchs and
the Red Skunk Band providing highpowered music for swing dancing!
The wildly popular Memphis Boys
will play Rockabilly music made
famous by Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis
Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins
and other pioneers.
“Three
Clarinets” combines World-Class
clarinetists with a swinging rhythm
section. “Pianorama” will highlight
the individual talents of the keyboard
masters performing during the
weekend. Hal and Georgia Myers will
offer Myers Dance Classes for
Festival patrons who can’t keep their
feet from moving while the music
plays. Dick Williams’ JazzSea Jams
is the ideal situation for those who
wish to participate in the Festival as
musicians.
As you can see, the 35th Annual
San Diego Jazz Festival promises to
On the Festival Trail — 34th
Annual San Diego Jazz Fest
by Don Jones,
Editor of the American Rag
Every one of the 37 festivals who
advertise in the American Rag will
need to attend this Festival next year
to be able to witness for themselves
the tremendous attendance of Swing
Dancers who came to dance to their
FAVORITE BANDS which were
invited specifically to play the music
they love – Our Kind of Music
(OKOM) and Swing – where the dance
floors were positioned in front of the
bands.
I asked Myrna Goodwin, AFCDJS
Board Secretary, and Paul Daspit,
AFCDJS Executive Director to tell me
be a fantastic weekend of music! Please
join us next Thanksgiving weekend
(Nov. 26 - 30, 2014) at the Town &
Country Resort & Convention Center
for a full Jazz buffet! For discounted
Festival badges and Town & Country
hotel reservations, see our
advertisement on page 5. The ad also
includes information on how you can
sponsor a band, musician or
performance venue. Our sponsors
really make a difference, and we hope
you will consider a sponsorship in
2014!
Corey’s Rolling Figs of Los Angeles
JAZZ RAMBLER
what they did to get so many younger
people to attend, and do so without
shirking their loyal older jazz fans.
Myrna explained, “For several
years we have worked with one or
more swing dance clubs in San Diego.
2toGroove SwingFX and Hang Ten
Hoppers have done dance demo sets
at our Festival in recent years. This
year Paul Daspit worked more directly
with the 2toGroove leader, Margie
Adams. And, along with Artistic
Director Hal Smith, they looked for
popular swing bands from the West
Coast. Stompy Jones and Glenn
Crytzer’s Savoy Seven were selected
for a Saturday evening special event
in the Golden Ballroom at the Town
and Country. Margie Adams and the
leader of Hang Ten Hoppers, Joel
Plys, helped get the word out. We
also used Facebook postings to
promote that Saturday special event
as well as the Festival overall.”
Paul explained, “The two floors on
either side of the stage (18x24) were
combined into one, made larger
(24x48), and put in front of the
bandstand. Having the dance floor in
front of the bandstand is important
for swing dancing but may block the
view of the band for those nondancers sitting in the first few rows.
Hal Smith identified the bands.
Apparently they are two of the top
swing bands on the west coast; at
least they were for 2013. I understand
this can change quickly.”
“A younger audience brings a high
energy level to the Festival which in
turn has to be maintained. We did this
with a Battle of the Bands set prior to
four continuous no-break 45-minute
sets alternating between two bands.
Another key element is having a
musician who understands the nature
and the needs of the swing dance
crowd involved in the planning
process which we did with the expert
help of Hal Smith.”
As for the older jazz fans, this was
the year Brady McKay was a featured
continued on page 10
PAGE 3
Jazz Alive . . .
Continued from page 2
The Press, 129 Harvard Ave., Claremont
Info: (909) 625-4808
SOUTHSIDE CHICAGO SEVEN
Mondays, 7-10 pm, at Le Carousse
Roughe, White Lane, Bakersfield. Info:
(909) 625-4808
SEAL BEACH, CA
Tuesdays, 6-9pm, Leisure World
Dixieland Workshop, 13550 Seal Beach
Blvd., Club House 3, rm. 8, (562) 5945722
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CLUB
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
3rd Sunday, 1pm. Westminster
Lanes, 6471 Westminster Ave.,
Westminster
SOUTH BAY NEW ORLEANS
JAZZ CLUB
2nd Sunday, 12:30-5pm, Knights of
Columbus Hall, 214 Avenue I, Redondo
Beach. (310) 374-3174
SO CAL HOT JAZZ SOCIETY
1st Sunday. American Legion Post
335, Southgate. (323) 566-9128. 1pm
SIMI VALLEY JAZZ CLUB
2nd Sunday, 1-5pm, Simi Valley
Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi
Valley.
GOLDEN EMPIRE HOT JAZZ
SOCIETY
1st Sunday; 1-5 pm, Kern City Town
Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Dr., Bakersfield
WEST COAST TRAD JASS
CLUB
The Untouchables – host band, 1st
Sunday Every Month 1-5pm
The Saloon at Piper’s Winery, 6500
Casitas Pass Road, Ventura - 805-6846494 http://www.westcoasttradjass.com,
[email protected]
DECATUR, IL
39th Central Illinois Jazz Festival,
Jan. 31-Feb. 2. www.juvaejazz.com, (217)
546-6091
FRESNO, CA
Sounds of Mardi Gras, Feb. 6-9.
(559) 292-3999, www.fresnodixie.com
DEL MAR, CA
2014 San Diego Jazz Party, Feb. 2123, (858) 453-0846, www.sdjp.org
SEASIDE, OR
31st Annual Seaside Jazz Festival,
Feb. 20-23, www.jazzseaside.com, (866)
345-6257
PAGE 4
Monthly Jazz Concerts
Sponsored by America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society
Feb. 23 – Royale Garden JB (4th Sunday)
Mar. 23 – High Society JB (4th Sunday)
Apr. 13 – Uptown Rhythm Makers (2nd Sunday)
Lafayette Hotel & Suites
Mississippi Room • 2223 El Cajon Blvd. • San Diego
All Programs: 1-4pm • Admission-$15 • Members-$10 • Under 30 (with photo ID)-$5
PLEASE SUPPORT LIVE TRADITIONAL JAZZ!
ATTEND OUR MONTHLY CONCERT/DANCES!
Check www.sdjazzfest.org. for the latest information
RACINE, WI
23rd Tribute to Bix Beiderbecke,
Mar. 6-9. www.bixfest.com (847) 9960246
MONTEREY, CA
34th Annual Dixieland Monterey
Jazz Bash by the Bay, Mar. 7-9. (888)
349-6879, www.dixieland-monterey.com
NORTH BEND, OR
Clambake Jazz Festival, Mar. 1416. www.clambakejazz.org, (541) 8884386
EUREKA, CA
23rd Annual Redwood Coast Jazz
Festival, Mar, 27-30. (707) 445-3378
www.redwoodjazz.org
THREE RIVERS, CA
41st Annual Jazz Affair, Apr. 1113. (559) 561-4549. www.jazzaffair.info
SACRAMENTO, CA
40th Annual Sacramento Jazz
Jubilee, May 23-26. (916) 372-5277
x10, www.sacjazz.com
Jazz on Radio/Online
Doug Best Swings:7-11am every
Sat. ’30s thru ’50s big band with a
touch of New Orleans Jazz. Call
760.736.8375 or 619.540.5715 for
requests or feedback.
Sharon’s Show by Sharon Prince:
11am-1pm every Sat. All types and
eras of music usually with a theme or
focusing on one particular artist or
composer. Contact: 619.997.4045 or
[email protected] for requests
or feedback
Both shows are available at AM
1320 radio, www.palomar.edu/kksm
internet and Cox Cable 957.
State . . .
Continued from front page
can donate a few hours a week. Please
contact me or any of the Society Board
members if you can help out. Thanks,
and hope to see you and some new
members at events this year.
Bobby Gordon Memorial
A Celebration of Music
Saturday February 8, 2014
2:00pm
Musician's Union Hall
1717 Morena Blvd
Mission Bay Park
Chicago Six Band will
perform and
recordings of
Bobby Gordon
will be played.
Jazz Roots on KSDS FM
Jazz Roots is heard on
Sunday evening, 8-10 pm, on
KSDS FM (88.3 on the dial).
The program features the
roots of jazz — ragtime, blues,
country music and more.
Jazz Roots is hosted by Lou
Curtiss, proprietor of Folk Arts
Rare Records and founder of
the San Diego Folk Festival
and the Adams Avenue Roots
Festival.
JAZZ RAMBLER
JAZZ RAMBLER
PAGE 5
Great Jazz Guaranteed for 2014 Concerts
Royale Garden Dixieland Band —
February 23
(4th Sunday)
The Royale Garden Dixieland Band debuted
in 1997 at the New Orleans Jazz Club of Southern
California. This is one of the “house bands” of
the Society for the Preservation of Dixieland
Jazz. Since its debut, the group has played all
over Southern California for parties, grand
openings, concerts in the park, at the jazz clubs.
You’ll hear the traditional jazz of the early 20th
century, and you are guaranteed a fun time.
The line-up includes Alan Shelton, trumpet/
leader; Brooks Coleman, reeds; Bob Waner,
trombone; Paul Goldman, drums; John Nickel,
bass; and Frank Greco, piano.
~~~~~
Royale Garden Dixieland Band
High Society Jazz Band —
March 23
(4th Sunday)
The High Society Jazz Band puts a great
twist on the lively sounds of traditional jazz.
The band is bound to please all audiences with
a variety of styles and arrangements — New
Orleans and Chicago-style jazz and Dixieland,
swing, big band, Latin and even oldies rock ’n
roll. High Society has entertained around San
Diego and beyond for nearly 30 years,
performing concerts, at jazz festivals, dances,
night clubs and at private events. HSJB
consists of Larry Okmin, clarinet and leader;
Rick Evans, trumpet; Billy Hawkins, trombone;
Jay Berman, piano and vocals; Joe Meza, bass;
and Don Kuhli, drums.
~~~~~
Uptown Rhythm Makers —
April 13
(2nd Sunday)
High Society Jazz Band
The Uptown Rhythm Makers has been on
the San Diego jazz scene since 2003 and has a
loyal following — largely due to its regular
appearances at the Claire De Lune Coffee
Lounge in North Park. URM has also performed
at the Lakeside Jazz Club, Hillcrest Mardi Gras,
the Gator By the Bay Festival, and the San
Diego Jazz Fest. The Rhythm Makers include
Bob Andersen, leader/trombone; Bruce
Vermazen, trumpet; Jim Fiedler, clarinet; Howie
Nielson, banjo; Bob Drisko, bass; Frank Highly,
tuba; and Kenny Powell, drums. Dancers and
traditional jazz fans of all ages enjoy this band’s
repertoire.
PAGE 6
Uptown Rhythm Makers
JAZZ RAMBLER
Jazz Society Continues E
ducation Emphasis
Education
Society-Sponsored High School Student
Improves Jazz Skills During Summer
This year AFCDJS education
dollars have gone toward individual
lessons for students interested in
Traditional Jazz. Katrina Rivett from
Mission Bay High School studied
throughout the summer to improve
her clarinet skills. Here’s what she
thought of her experiences.
“From scale exercises to long
tones, my past summer lessons have
really paid off because I have learned
the importance and meaning of
traditional jazz. As a clarinet player, I
know that my job or how I contribute
to the band, is filling in the gaps,
whether it means harmonizing or
creating tail end lines to support the
melody.
The most important aspect of
playing traditional jazz is knowing
how to improvise and understand the
fundamentals behind what I am
playing. In some of my lessons, my
instructor and I went over some basic
theory. Hearing is one thing but
actually listening is entirely different.
For example, we spent some time on
understanding chords, chord tones,
and how they connect together with
good passing tones to make it flow
smoothly.
One very important thing about
improvisation I learned is, not only am
I learning to create lines up on the spot
and make it sound good, but I am also
telling a story. I am trying to express
who I am by putting my emotions into
every note I play rather than using
words. Overall, these lessons have
really helped me understand the true
meaning behind traditional jazz, help
expand my musical growth, and most
importantly has pushed me to want to
become a better musician.”
AFCDJS and the Community
Council for Music in the
Schools (CCMS) would like
to thank those who donated
used musical instruments
during the SD Jazz Fest to be
loaned to students in the San
Diego City music programs.
Great Festival jams with Dick Williams
Education Donators
Storyville Club-$250
George P. Yellich
Dawn Club-$100
David & Bonnie Austin
Susan Fancher
Peggy Spiewak
Bruce Vermazen
Donald Ward
Thank You!
Mission Bay Preservationists a hit at Festival #34
JAZZ RAMBLER
PAGE 7
Festival
PAGE 8
JAZZ RAMBLER
Highlights
JAZZ RAMBLER
PAGE 9
Trail . . .
Long-Time Member Steps Up
Meet Gail Kerna. Gail is a long-time
Society member, and months before
the 2013 Festival, she became actively
involved with AFCDJS to promote our
Festival and Society. Many of you
may already know Gail. For many years
she was a familiar face at our monthly
dances and annual jazz Festival, along
with her late husband, Joe Kerna.
Last year, Gail’s efforts included
handing out brochures and posters at
performing arts schools, Saddleback
College, singing classes, churches,
and local music stores. She also helped
us secure some wonderful new
advertising.
Because we are always seeking help
to spread the word about our Jazz
Society, we are especially grateful to
Gail for enthusiastically representing
the Society at so many venues. Not
only did her efforts yield many firsttime Festival-goers, but we have also
AFCDJS PRESENTS
FREE 2014
JAZZ WORKSHOPS
(2nd Thurs. of month, 7-9 pm)
Feb. 13 • March 13 • April 10
May 8 • June 12 • July 10
Aug. 14 • Sept. 11 • Oct. 9
Nov. 13 • Dec. (dark)
~~~~~~~
AFCDJS-sponsored workshops are
held the second Thursday of every
month (except December) from 7 to
9pm at the San Diego Musicians
Hall, 1717 Morena Blvd., San Diego.
Requirement:
Desire to play Dixieland Jazz!
Furnished:
Drums, piano and a core
group of instructors.
~~~~~~~
ALL LEVELS OF
TALENT WELCOME!
~~~~~~~
(619) 297-JASS (5277)
www.SDjazzfest.org
The personnel of many of the local
Bands that have appeared at our
Festivals have been participants
in the AFCDJS free Jazz
Workshops.
PAGE 10
welcomed new members because of
her work. Great job, Gail!
Gail along with other AFCDJS
members including Dusty Ward and
Pat Coe have stepped up to help make
our Society and Festival more
successful. If you would like to be
more involved throughout this year,
leave a message at 619-294-5277 or
email [email protected].
Small Band
Music Archives
AFCDJS maintains an archive
of over 2400 small band music
arrangements, which we make
available to school and youth
bands, community, church,
start-up, and professional music
groups.
Ask about the Top Thousand
most-requested small band
music arrangements, on a DVD
disc.
Contact Howie Nielson at
[email protected], or
www.smallbandmusic.org.
Continued from page 3
guest artist at Sacramento, Pismo
Beach and finally San Diego. Brady’s
career includes more than her vocal
talents; she’s worked as an actress
and in musical productions not linked
to jazz. Some would say she has
matured, but that’s misleading. Brady
is as youthful, peppy, bouncy and
playful as she has always been going
back to her days singing in the
Wooden Nickel band. Based on their
enthusiastic applause, the audiences
still love her.
Starting on Friday, she was paired
with her “Friends,” Bob Draga
(clarinet), Jason Wanner (piano),
Marty Eggers (bass), and Kevin Dorn
(drums); the Red Skunks Band, and
the Reynolds Brothers; followed on
Saturday sets with the Original
Wildcats, Night Blooming Jazzmen
and Bob Schulz’s Frisco Jazz Band;
then on Sunday sets with the Titanic
Jazz Band, another with Night
Blooming Jazzmen, ending with the
High Sierra Jazz Band.
Mark your calendars and dance
cards for next year’s 35th San Diego
Jazz Fest dates, November 26-30, 2014.
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America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society
JAZZ RAMBLER
In Memoriam
San Diego Unified
School District
Instrumental
Honor Concerts
Bobby Gordon
1941 - 2013
By Hal Smith
Internationally-renowned
clarinetist Bobby Gordon passed
away at a San Diego nursing home on
Dec. 31, 2013. He is survived by his
wife, Sue.
Gordon was a leading light of the
San Diego Jazz scene, fronting his own
small combos at venues such as the Jazz
Mine, King Luis Inn and Milligan’s. He
performed at numerous West Coast
festivals with the Chicago Six and was
heard for several years at the San Diego
Jazz Fest with Hal Smith’s Roadrunners.
Additionally, he played with Muggsy
Spanier, the Jim Cullum Jazz Band in San
Antonio, Marty Grosz’s Destiny’s Tots/
Orphan Newsboys and toured the U.S.
with pop star Leon Redbone.
He was less active in recent years,
though he played the AFCDJS
monthly concert series and the San
Diego Jazz Fest with his Quartet. He
made a number of recordings with the
Roadrunners for the Triangle label;
with Marty Grosz (Jazzology, Stomp
Off); his own sextet (Jazzology); and
several CDs under his own name and
as a sideman for Arbors.
Gordon’s clarinet playing —
particularly in the lower register —
was reminiscent of his friend and
teacher Joe Marsala. He also
frequently alluded to the iconic Pee
Wee Russell style.
Bobby Gordon was a Jazz icon
himself — a master of good taste and
swing, with one of the most beautiful
tones that ever came from a clarinet.
Thanks to Volunteers
2013 Drawing Winners
Thank You, to all our 2013 San
Diego Jazz Fest Volunteers! Fest 2013
turned out to be one of our best
Thanksgiving Holiday weekends. We
commend all of our wonderful
volunteers for helping to make the
34th annual event an outstanding
success! All of our Cabaret Managers,
Band Hostesses, door monitors and
sign carriers were there to ensure the
enjoyment of all in attendance.
Bernie Bishop was a Super Hero
again this year, assisting as backup
and making sure Band Signs were in
place as needed. Many Thanks,
Bernie, you were a life saver. Dewey
Williams’ continued assistance in the
volunteer room as well as filing in as
Cabaret Manager and getting that
important morning coffee started!
We’d like to thank those who brought
snacks to share in the volunteer room.
They were truly appreciated by all
volunteers.
Every volunteer, from the oneshifters to those of you who served
for all 5 days, Hooray! We appreciate
your willingness to serve and hope
you will return for our 35th Annual
JAZZ RAMBLER
America’s Finest City Dixieland
Jazz Society extends a sincere “Thank
you” to all guests at the 2013 Festival
who completed our Festival Survey.
Your opinions and comments are
sincerely appreciated.
All who turned in completed cards
by the deadline were included in our
drawing. First prize, a new Goodtime
Tenor Banjo from Deering Banjo, was
won by Saandra Lambert, of Jamul,
CA. However, Saandra elected to
receive two badges to the 2014 SD
Jazz Fest instead. Second prize, two
5-Day All Events Badges for the 2014
Festival, was won by Elaine Coon from
Chula Vista, CA. A gift basket of 10
CDs from the 2013 Festival bands was
won by Stephen Schoenfeld of
Brooklyn, NY. All winners will also
receive a one-year membership to
AFCDJS.
(Photo credit: Charles Farley)
San Diego Jazz Fest. Come and share
the fun times with your friends and
join in the excitement of the upbeat
music and entertainment we all enjoy
at this annual event. Hope to see you
over Thanksgiving weekend in 2014!
Winter/Spring 2014
America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz
Society is a major sponsor of these
concerts. There is no charge to the public
for the instrumental concerts, so we hope
you will attend these events. Support
music education in our schools.
Partnership Honor Choir
Saturday, March 1, 7pm
College Avenue Baptist Church
Elementary, Middle and High School
Honor Choirs
San Diego Unified School District
California Association for Music
Education
~~~~~
High School Instrumental
Honor Concert
Sunday, March 16, 3pm
Copley Symphony Hall, 7th & B
Honor Orchestra, Honor Band
~~~~~
Elementary Instrumental
Honor Concert
Friday, March 21, 7pm
Brown Chapel, Point Loma Nazarene
~~~~~
Middle School Instrumental
Honor Concert
Saturday, March 15, 7pm
Brown Chapel, Point Loma Nazarene
For further information: Visual &
Performing Arts Department (VAPA),
Karen Childress-Evans, Director (858)
256-2700; Mark Nicholson, Instrumental
Music Specialist (858) 256-2702
2015 Adult Trad Jazz Camp
The 2015 San Diego Adult
Traditional Jazz Camp is set
for January 15-18, 2015, at the
Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon
Blvd., San Diego. Start making
your plans to attend. More
information will be available
soon on our website and in the
Rambler.
PAGE 11
What Some of You Said . . .
“Great
perks for
s p o n s o r s .”
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good
of youn to see lots
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weekend tradition.”
. . . and Did!!!
PAGE 12
JAZZ RAMBLER
The Jazz Family Windhurst . . .
By Jim McNaughton
Vice President/Sponsorship Chair
Our Society states that our goal is
to preserve and perpetuate traditional
jazz. Last year it was suggested that
we add “provide” to our goal. The
34th Festival provided music
opportunities to about 6,000 jazz fans
during the 5-day Festival.
From the first set of the High Society
Band on Wednesday to the after party
on Sunday, there was a high level of
excitement and enjoyment. The music
was appreciated by young and old.
How could you not with the quality
and number of bands and individual
musicians?
If you are a traditional jazz fan who
has supported the music for years, the
Festival provided more trad jazz bands
than ever before. If you came for the
swing dancing, then you enjoyed the
many bands that played your dance
music. The dance floor was filled on
Saturday night during the swing dance
extravaganza. Dancers in their 20s, 30s,
and 40s all the way up to couples in their
80s were on the floor when it ended.
One sponsor’s comment that I
wholeheartedly agree with was, “Being
at the Festival is like being with one
big family. We are all happy and we
have something in common — this
great music.”
Our goal is to keep the “family”
together by continuing to preserve,
perpetuate and provide this great
music. We have had our wrap-up
meeting for the 34th Festival and plans
are well on their way for the 35th
Festival. We will reach out to people
everywhere for volunteers, sponsors
and generous fans who buy tickets
and make donations. We will continue
to bring the best available bands and
musicians to the Festival.
We hope that many of you will
consider being a sponsor for the 35th
Festival and enjoy all of the benefits
that sponsorship brings:
• 5-Day All-Events Badges and
Sponsor Ribbons
• Invitation to Sponsors’ Reception
• Reserved Seating in all Venues
• Web and Program listing
• One-year AFCDJS Membership
JAZZ RAMBLER
Continued from back page
formed a distinctive style. His lead
playing was thoughtful and lyrical,
even with Bechet’s incessant riffing
underneath (and his frequent doubling
of the lead on soprano sax).
Windhurst also played graceful,
unhurried solos even as the rhythm
section frequently threatened to
descend into chaos. He must have
impressed Bechet mightily, for he was
asked to return a few weeks after his
initial appearance with the band.
In 1947 Windhurst performed at a
Town Hall concert in New York,
alongside Jack Teagarden. The quality
of the accompaniment varies, but
Windhurst and Teagarden together
were musical soulmates. Also in 1947
he played briefly in California. (A
concert in Santa Monica, Windhurst
played with guitarist Nappy Lamare’s
band — Chuck Mackey, Lou McGarity,
Matty Matlock, Marvin Ash, Morty
Corb, Nick Fatool — was privately
recorded and later issued on a
Fairmont LP).
By the early ’50s, Windhurst was
playing with Eddie Condon. The “Dr.
Jazz” broadcasts from this era show
Windhurst to be right at home in the
freewheeling musical atmosphere of
the Condon Mob. While Louis
Armstrong continued to be
Windhurst’s biggest influence
(quotations from Armstrong solos,
rhapsodic phrasing, cleanly-played
glissandos to the upper registers of
the horn), there are also Hackett-like
arpeggios and merry Beiderbecke
triplets. And on the broadcasts,
Windhurst’s golden tone is the perfect
foil for Edmond Hall’s tart, raspy
clarinet sound. (Considering this, it is
a real shame that Windhurst never
recorded with Pee Wee Russell or his
most gifted acolyte, Frank Chace).
In 1955 Windhurst recorded for
Riverside with the wonderful vocalist
Barbara Lea. He proved to be the
perfect accompanist for Lea’s lovely
• Free Parking at the Town &
Country.
For more info, please contact me at
[email protected] or at
(619)435-0806.
and delicate singing. His lyrical style
was in full bloom on the session and
the synergy with Lea is reminiscent of
Lester Young with Billie Holiday. The
recording was enough of a success
that Lea and Windhurst recorded
additional sessions for Prestige in
1956 and 1957.
Following the last recording with
Barbara Lea, Windhurst began to fade
from public view and also increased
his alcohol intake. He played a few
dates with Eddie Condon and worked
briefly at Nick’s with the Washington
Squares — an outstanding band that
included Lou McGarity, Kenny
Davern, Dave Frishberg and Cliff
Leeman. Then he settled into semiobscurity in Poughkeepsie, NY where
he lived with his mother. He played
occasionally with trombonist Eddie
Hubble at the “Last Chance Saloon”
and made a few trips into New York
City for guest appearances. He
suffered brain damage as the result of
a mugging in Poughkeepsie, but was
able to keep playing for several more
years. Windhurst died of a heart attack
on Oct. 2, 1981.
Johnny
Windhurst’s
only
recordings as a leader — “Jazz At
Columbus Ave.” (Transition)/”The
Imaginative Johnny Windhurst”
(Jazzology) are unfortunately out of
print and have not been reissued on
CD. Similarly, the 1947 recordings
with Nappy Lamare, a 1954 recording
with Walt Gifford’s New Yorkers and
a 1955 session with Jack Teagarden
are also currently unavailable.
However, several tracks from his 1945
stint with Sidney Bechet, a number of
selections from the “Dr. Jazz”
Broadcasts and all the sides with
Barbara Lea are available on CD.
Though Windhurst should have been
better known, his elegant, lyrical style
continues to impress contemporary
hornmen such as Chris Tyle and JonErik Kellso. Writer Michael Steinman,
of the internationally-renowned Jazz
Lives blog, described Johnny
Windhurst as “a player not afraid to
take his time, to make beautiful sounds,
to gently explore the melody.” Listen
to this incredibly talented, but sadly
forgotten trumpeter and you will
surely agree with that description.
PAGE 13
24th Annual Jazz Festival
June 26, 27, 28, 29, 2014
Saint Martin’s University
(Marcus Pavilion Headquarters)
5300 Paciﬁc Ave. SE, Lacey, WA
www.olyjazz.com
GREAT
Jazz Festival
Great Jazz Bands
"5#+#2%%+ s '2!.$$/-).)/. s ()'(3)%22!
)6/29'/,$ s *%229+2!(.+!4)%#!6%2!
4)4!.(/43%6%. s 4/-(//+4%22)%23
4/-2)'.%9&,!-"%!5 s 504/7.,/7$/7.
7%34%.$ s 7/,6%2).%3 s 9%2"!"5%.!34/-0%23
"2!$9-#+!9 s %$$)%%2)#+3/.-/2%4/#/-%
SPECIAL FEATURES
Parasol parades
!FTER'LOW0ARTY s 3PECIAL3ETS
On-site RV parking
Dancing Lessons
Four venues, one site
three dancing, one listening
Large dance ﬂoors
.EARBYHOTELS s 3HUTTLESERVICE
Qty.
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Extra Early Bird All Event before Jan. 1, 2014
Early Bird All Event before May 31, 2014
All Event after May 31, 2014
Pre-festival Thursday
Friday only
Friday nite after 7pm
Saturday only
Saturday nite after 7pm
Sunday only
Student - 14-22 w/ID, All Event
Patron of Jazz (Includes All Event Badge)
$80
$90
$95
$15
$40
$25
$50
$25
$25
$15
$150
Gold Sponsor ....................................................$500
Silver Sponsor ..................................................$350
Individual Sponsor ............................................$250
Band Members (each) .......................................$100
26PARKINGWHOOKUP
???????DAYS DAY
26DRYPARKPARKING
???????DAYS DAY
,ENGTHOF26????????FT
No. of slideouts________ Permit issued at check in
TOTAL $_____________________
INFORMATION:#HARLOTTE$ICKISON s %MAILCHARLOTTEDICKISON COMCASTNET
260!2+).'0AT(ERNDON s %MAILHERNDON REACHONECOM
Visit our website at: www.olyjazz.com
Name/Names ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________________________________________ State_______________Zip_____________
Phone___________________________________________Email _______________________________________________________________________
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Exp._______/_______
SEC Code _______________
Signature ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Postmark will determine price. Voucher will be mailed. Badges required at all festival sites.
./2%&5.$3!&4%2*5.% 0,%!3%-!+%#(%#+30!9!",%4/'/$*3(We accept VISA/MasterCard/Discover credit cards)
-AILTO'REATER/LYMPIA$IXIELAND*AZZ3OCIETY s 0/"OX/LYMPIA7!
7%!2%!#!.$!.%15!,/00/245.)49/2'!.):!4)/.
PAGE 14
JAZZ RAMBLER
Welcome
New and Renewal Members
Oct. - Nov. - Dec. 2013
Lasha Allen
Karen Anderson
David & Bonnie Austin
Nobu & Jean Avakian
Anthony Bakke
Bob Barber
John Barton
John Basart
Rollin Baugh
Raymond & Maitza Beckles
Alan & Carol Bernstein
John & Tracy Bodenmann
Nondis Bown
Carol Boynton
Elvin & Sue Campbell
Neale F Clifford
Mark Coholan & Dorothy Cook
Charles & Elaine Coon
Ellen Cox
Joseph Delano
Serge Di Novo
Nancy Dillon
Levin Dobrotin & Carol Mischa
Jim & Linda Earnhart
Ed & Frances Ehrhart
Harry Eisner
John W. Eldridge Jr.
Ronald & Maralee Ellison
Lorraine Etkin
Susan Fancher
George Fiedler
Jeff & Lori Frank
Walter Fuery
John & Jean Geiger
Lee Genet
Paul Goldman
Jerry Goss
Robert & Barbara Greaves
Cree Groen
Ed Gruhler
Tommy & Veronika Hauer
Richard & Jean Hennessy
Shirley J Heriot
Douglas Hodgdon
Harry Hodges
Alice Hood
Van Householder
Don Johnson
Gwendonna Johnson
David Johnson & Lauren Hunton
Perry Jones, Jr.
Willam Jones
Bruce Jones & Marilee Jensen
Ted Kagan
Bob & Elizabeth Kaiser
Kevin & Janey Caster
Hugh Ross Kaye
Leonard & Kathleen Kellogg
Charles & Josefina Kenyon
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL /SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Please check the applicable boxes and mail to:
AMERICA’S FINEST CITY DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY
P.O. Box 880387 • San Diego, CA 92168-0387 • Phone: (619) 297-5277
NEW
Enclosed is

RENEWAL

$20.00 for a single membership (includes Jazz Rambler)
$30.00 for a couple membership (includes Jazz Rambler)
$15.00 for annual subscription / Jazz Rambler only
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SUPPORT THE EDUCATION FUND
$1,000 Cotton Club $250 Storyville Club $100 Dawn Club
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Edwin & Julie Krummencher
Jerry & Rachel Levens
Robert Lieberknecht
Jon & Carol Litty
Ralph Longway
Norm Ludington
Marian Maguire
Carol Masterson
Richard McFarland
Richard & Florence McNabb
Matt Metz
Richard W. Morris
Robert & Edith Mott
Hal & Georgia Myers
Doug Nolff & Vicky Sherman
Kurt & Sharon Olsen
Geraldine Owings
June Parcher
Martin Podhrazsky
Lynn Ranney
William Ray
Jay & Carole Rice
Elizabeth Richardson
Richard & Donna Ring
Jan Rochon
Parvin Russell
Steve Sachak
Rachel Saks
Connie Salamy
Stephen Schoenfeld
Josef & Bonnie Sedivec
Jerry & Shelly Silberberg
Clarence & Patt Sloan
Tim & Alice Smith
Robert F. Smith & Ethyl Lizarraras
Adam Snider & Mary Hobson
Janet Spiro
Jim Stewart
Rosalie Stewart
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Fred & Eleanor Tietz
Walter & Marilyn Tom
Valerie Van Dalsen
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Maureen Wilson
Sylvia Wong
Carl L. Wright
Madeleine Wright
PAGE 15
AMERICA’S FINEST CITY
NON PROFIT ORG.
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San Diego. CA
DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY
Post Office Box 880387
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They Called it Jazz
Johnny Windhurst - Young Man with Golden-Toned Horn
(This is a continuation of a series of
biographies of great traditional jazz
musicians. The series started with the
March/April 1991 issue and was
developed by Rambler founding
publisher and Board Member, the late
Len Levine.)
impression on many musicians and
fans, he left only a few commercial
recordings behind.
Johnny Windhurst was born in The
Bronx, New York on Nov. 5, 1926. He
taught himself to play trumpet, and
was greatly influenced by Louis
Armstrong, Bunny Berigan, Bix
Beiderbecke and Bobby Hackett. By
the time Windhurst was a teenager he
was accomplished enough to sit in
with the A-list musicians at Nick’s in
Greenwich Village. Not long
afterward, he was summoned to the
Savoy Café in Boston, where he
replaced the unpredictable Bunk
Johnson with Sidney Bechet’s band.
Recordings from the engagement show
that the young trumpeter had already
continued on page 13
By Hal Smith
AFCDJS Artistic Director
Trumpeter Johnny Windhurst did
not burst upon the Jazz scene,
galvanize a legion of followers, then
die much too young. Had his life
ended suddenly and tragically like Bix
Beiderbecke’s or Bunny Berigan’s,
Windhurst might be better known
today. He was not a moderate drinker,
but did live to the respectable age of
54. Though his playing made a lasting
PAGE 16
JAZZ RAMBLER