sign in sign up
<<
Home , Arbors Records, Chauncey Morehouse, Chuck Redd, Ray Bauduc

December 2010 Volume 35, Number 10

Fats Waller at Ray Skjelbred Septet Carnegie Hall Plays a pre-Christmas Concert

By Ken Lyon By Rod Belcher

One of the ships I served on during WW2 was assigned to A special pre-Christmas treat is in store for our members and convoy duty between New York and Ireland, which meant that I guests when an all-star lineup of Northwest musicians under the lead- had some liberties in the Big Apple. An evening was not complete ership of pianist Ray Skjelbred graces the stage at the Ballard Elks without a visit to Nick’s in the Village and an enlightening club Sunday, December 19. conversation with . During one of these sessions I You might call the group the “Ray Skjelbred Septet,” but it’s really asked him about how he got Fats Waller to Carnegie Hall. Fats, an augmented aggregation enlarged from the quartet Ray calls “The First known for his undependability could be a problem. Condon Thursday Band.” The latter-named four-piece combo performs at Pio- related to me what had gone on that evening and later put some of neer Square’s New Orleans Café on the first Thursday of every month. this in a book. If you’re confused by this nomenclature the important thing is The concert was arranged as a tribute to Fats; listing all the that the players, veteran top-drawer jazzers all, have been crossing songs he had written, with a note stating that he would play such paths (and playdates) for many years and are of the same mind in of them as he chose for an opening group. There were ninety-one turning out traditional and mainstream . of them, from Squeeze Me, written when Fats was fifteen, to All Blending perfectly with Ray’s hard-driving but still melodic piano That Meat And No Potatoes, his latest hit. The note also said that base, the sidemen are Steve Wright (cornet & reeds); Jim Armstrong, the some of the best of Mr. Waller’s popular songs are not credited talented trombonist who drives down I-5 from White Rock, BC, espe- to him simply because he sold all rights to them to unscrupulous cially for this date; Paul Woltz, reed wizard extraordinaire; Dave Brown Tin Pan Alley authors. Eddie said that they backed Fats up in the (string bass); Jake Powel (banjo & guitar) and Mike Daugherty (drums). closing part of the program with himself, , Pee Wee We’ve heard all of them playing with various other groups and Russell, Bud Freeman, Max Kaminsky and John Kirby. at festivals for a couple of decades or more and all have enthusiastic Condon said that when he arrived at the hall there were more followers, both within and without our jazz society membership. people backstage than in the orchestra; Fats’ friends had dropped in to wish him luck. He had a drink with each of them. When the WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m curtain went up someone turned him around, pointed the way, and WHERE: Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle he walked on stage and sat down at the piano. He played as he ADMISSION: Members of PSTJS $10 - Non-member guests $13 liked from his own compositions for an opening group. FURTHER INFO: Carol Rippey - 425-776-5072 - or - Website: For the second group he was to play spirituals on the organ. www.pstjs.org He did, but Condon said that he noticed every once a awhile Fats slipped into Gershwin’s “Summertime.” The third group consisted Enjoy the view and the dance floor. Coffee, snacks, beverages of improvisations and Condon said he again detected Summertime. available After an intermission of some twenty-three minutes - one minute to get Fats off the stage and twenty two to get him back on - he played his London Suite and some variations on a Tchaikovsky Condon remembered John Hammond’s note in the program theme. Afterward, it is alleged that Oscar Levant stated, “I never which said in part, “Waller’s great talent for the piano has never realized until I heard Fats tonight how much Tchaikovsky owes received the acknowledgment that it deserves. It was easier to to Gershwin.” exploit him as a buffoon and clown, rather than the artist he is..... After Tchaikovsky the program actually listed a group of Gershwin Fats is undoubtedly a great entertainer and showman, but tonight songs; this was the only time during the program when “Summertime” was there will be a chance to see primarily Fats Waller, the musician not played; apparently Fats identified it with every composer but Gershwin. and composer.” Jazz Soundings December 2010 Page 2 Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society 19031 Ocean Avenue Edmonds, WA 98020-2344 425-776-5072 SUBSCRIBE TODAY www.pstjs.org News You Can Use About Traditional Jazz and Ragtime EVENTS U.S. One Year: $26 -:- Canadian $39 U.S. Funds* Elks Lodge, Ballard, 6411 Seaview Ave N.W., Seattle U.S. Two Years: $48 -:- Canadian $74 U.S. Funds* (*) Includes Airmail Delivery UPCOMING EVENTS Make check payable to: The American Rag 20137 Skyline Ranch Dr., Apple Valley, CA 92308-5035 January 16 Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band February 20 holotradband Phone/Fax: 760-247-5145 March 20 Grand Dominion Jazz Band Name ______April 17 Hume Street Address ______May 15 Black Swan Jazz Band June 19 Ain’t No Heaven Seven City ______State ______LEADERSHIP Phone ______Zip + 4 ______PRESIDENT: Judy Levy [email protected] Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society 425-313-0910 VICE PRESIDENT: Rod Belcher [email protected] 206-870-3005 SECRETARY: Cilla Trush [email protected] Gigs for Local Bands 206-363-9174 CASEY MacGILL’s BLUE 4 TRIO TREASURER: Gloria Kristovich [email protected] Sundays, 5:30 - 8:30 Tutta Bella Pizzeria 4411 Stoneway N 206-633-3800 425-776-7816 Wednesdays, 8-11. Pink Door Restaurant & Lounge 1919 Post Alley (Pike Market) 206-443-3241 BOARD OF DIRECTORS FIRST THURSDAY BAND Dave Brown: [email protected] 253-752-6525 1st Thurs of each month, 7 - 10 p.m., New Orleans Restaurant, 114 1st Ave S., Colin Dearing: [email protected] 206-937-5476 Seattle, WA Leroy Johnson: [email protected] 206-772-4378 GLENN CRYTZER’s SYNCOPATORS Edmund Lewin: 360-297-6633 1st Sunday of the Month 9:30-12:30 Century Ballroom 915 East Pine Ian McKenna: [email protected] 425-771-5479 (2nd Floor) 206-324-7263 George Oelrich: [email protected] 360-793-0836 Third Wednesday of the Month (same as above) Carol Rippey: [email protected] 425-776-5072 GRAND DOMINION Jan 2 - 15, Jazz Sea Cruise - Panama Canal MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR holotradband Carol Rippey: [email protected] 425-776-5072 Tuesdays, 7 - 10 p.m., New Orleans Restaurant, 114 1st Ave S., Seattle, WA NEW ORLEANS JAZZ QUINTET EDITOR Mondays 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. New Orleans Restaurant, 114 1st Ave S., Seattle Anita LaFranchi: [email protected] 206-522-7691 PEARL DJANGO Dec 10, 7 - 10 pm Kallaloo, 3820 S. Ferdinand 206 760-7766 Dec 11, 8 pm The Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce (@Main) Conway, WA JAZZ SOUNDINGS 360 445-3000 Dec 15, 7 pm Boxley’s, 101 W. N. Bend Way, N.Bend, WA 425 292-9307 Published monthly except July and August by the Puget Sound Tra- UPTOWN LOWDOWN JB ditional Jazz Society. Dec 5, 1 pm, Traditional Jazz Society of Oregon, Eugene Eagles Lodge, Anita LaFranchi, editor, [email protected] 1374 Irving Road, Eugene, OR 541 746-1097 Ads must be submitted in a jpeg or (PDF format) Dec 28 - 29 6:45 pm Lights of Christmas, Warm Beach Uptown “Lite” Payment in advance to: Gloria Kristovich, P.O. Box 373, Edmonds, WA 98020-0373 On Your Dial...... Advertising Rates: Saturday Full page $100. 7 1/2” wide by 9 1/2 “ tall 10 a.m. Gospel Jazz, Ted Reed KARI 550 AM. Half Page $60. 7 1/2” wide by 4 1/4 “ tall 7 - 12 p.m. Swing Years and beyond KUOW 94.9 FM Quarter Page $40. 3 5/8 Wide by 4 1/4 “ tall Sunday Deadline is the 10th of the month for the next months issue 3 -6 p.m. Art of Jazz, Ken Wiley, KPLU 88.5 FM Jazz Soundings December 2010 Page 3

Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society Absentee ballot

*Incumbent 2010 PSTJS officers and board members Place your name(s) and the word BALLOT on the top left of the If you must miss the December meeting, here is your chance to vote envelope. Your name will be checked on election day and your vote for your PSTJS officers and board members. Remove from newsletter, added to the rest. On election day the ballots will be removed and the vote your preference and mail by Dec 15, 2010 to: envelope discarded before the ballots are tallied. PSTJS 19031 Ocean Ave., Edmonds, WA 98020-2344. OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Vote for 4 candidates Judy Levy* Joanne Hargrave Carol Rippey*

VICE PRESIDENT George Swinford Ian McKenna* Jan Lemmon

SECRETARY Cilla Trush* Write-in:______Office: ______

Note: If you intend to vote at the concert in December TREASURER you will be required to present your membership card to Gloria Kristovich* receive a ballot.”

They Called it Jazz Ray Bauduc – Master of New Orleans Drumming By Hal Smith illustrates an awareness of other percussion stylists such as Vic Berton, In 1956, Willis Conover interviewed Gene Krupa and for Chauncey Morehouse and George Stafford. However, the New Orleans Voice of America Radio. Krupa told Conover, “...There are three giants tradition is always evident. in the drum world...Buddy Rich, Ray Bauduc and Ray McKinley.” Later In 1928, Bauduc accepted an offer to join Ben Pollack’s Orchestra, in the interview, Rich declared, “I think Bauduc is one of the truly great after the leader decided to conduct rather than play. In spite of a few drummers...My all star poll for drummers would be Gene [Krupa], Jo stylistic Jones, Chick Webb, McKinley, Bauduc and [Sid] Catlett.” disagreements between the two drummers, Bauduc proved to be an Ray Bauduc definitely deserved the recognition by Krupa and Rich. excellent addition to the orchestra. He can be heard to good advantage He could also count non-percussionists such as Louis Armstrong and Mel on dozens of sides, in the company of Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden Tormé as fans. and other great jazzmen. He also added the bandleader’s Chicago Style He was a versatile drummer, adaptable to a number of styles. brushwork to an already impressive inventory of drumming techniques. However, due to his long association with the Orchestra and By 1933, after numerous personnel changes, the Pollack Orchestra Bob Cats, his name will forever be linked with “Dixieland” Music. played less hot jazz and more proto-swing. Bauduc’s drumming on Born in New Orleans on June 18, 1909, Bauduc was infatuated with recordings such as “Two Tickets to Georgia” proves that he could play the city’s music at a tender age. When Ray showed an interest in taking comfortably in the new idiom. up drums, his brother Jules (a banjoist) took him to hear Baby Dodds, Within a year, Pollack’s sidemen were disaffected as the leader Zutty Singleton, Chinee Foster, Emil Stein and other Crescent City focused on promoting the career of vocalist Doris Robbins while drummers. Ray studied with Harold “Kid” Peterson and credited Paul de-emphasizing the jazz elements in the orchestra’s repertoire and Dedroit as a major influence. He also became a skilled dancer, drawing performance. Eventually, the musicians— including Bauduc— left en much inspiration from the “second line” dancing seen at Carnival parades. masse to search for more satisfying musical surroundings. Fortunately, While in his 20s, Ray Bauduc played in New Orleans with Johnny Bauduc was able to take part in some recording sessions with Glenn Bayersdorffer; made his first recordings (with the Original Memphis Miller and fellow New Orleanians Louis Prima and Wingy Manone. The Five); performed in Europe with Freddie Rich; and relocated to New York recordings with Manone contain particularly good examples of Bauduc’s where he worked with , , , New Orleans style. The Dixieland drumming had a salutary effect on Eddie Lang and others. On records from this era, Bauduc’s drumming Manone. The sides with Bauduc are certainly among the trumpeter’s best. Jazz Soundings December 2010 Page 4

Festivals Cruises Tours Elderhostel

January 2011

CRUISE TOUR JAN 2 - 15, 2011: Depart From: San Diego, CA. JazzSea 2011 - The Panama Canal. Aboard: ms Celebrity Constel- lation. Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; a full transit of The Panama Canal: Cris- tobal, Panama; Cartagena, Columbia.. Guest Artists: Tex Wyndham, plus Workshops at Sea with Karla West. Featured Bands: Grand Dominion J.B., Climax J.B., Bob Schulz’ Frisco J.B., Dick Williams’ JazzSea Jammers, Tim Allan’s Banjos Aweigh. Fares: Starting at $1,245 PPDO. Airfare: $EXTRA$. Contact Info: JazzSea Cruises, 3256 Seven Seas Dr., Tavares, FL 32778-9285. 800-323-3881. Fax: 352-343-8707. Email: [email protected] Website: www.jazzsea.com Seller of Travel#: 1991-280-414.

JAN 14-16, 2011: CLEARWATER BEACH, FL. 3rd Annual Invitational Jazz Party. Headquarters: The Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL. Guest Artists: , Bernd Lhotzky, Louis Mazetier, Rossano Sportiello, , and Johnny Varro. Featured Performers: and His Hot Winds w/Scott Robinson, Dan Block, Vince Giordano; PLUS: Warren Vaché, Duke Heitger, John Allred, , , Bill Allred, Ed Metz, Antti Sarpila, , , , , , Rebecca Kilgore, , Daryl Sherman, , Pieter Meijers, , Peter Appleyard, Dave Bennett, Jacob Fischer, Norm Kubrin, , Tom McDermott, Mike Lipskin and Tom Hook will perform on piano in the Mainstay Tavern. There will also be another fine film presentation by Don Wolff. A.E. Badges: $250. Seating will be limited to 200 people at 20 tables of 10 with a 10% discount given for tables of 10 reserving together. Seating will be assigned in order of receipt of reservations. Reserve your hotel room and seating early to avoid disappointment. Contact \pard softli- neInfo: Arbors Records Inc., 2189 Cleveland St. Ste. 225, Clearwater, FL 33765. 727-466- 0571 or 800-299-1930; Fax: 727-466-0432. Email: [email protected] Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and personal checks accepted. Website: www.arborsrecords.com Lodging: Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767. 727- 595-1611; or 800-456-7263. Fax: 727-593- 6004. Arbors Records Invitational special group rate of $179 per night, single or double occupancy, plus tax.

February 2011

FEB 25-28, 2011: SEASIDE, OR. 28th Annual Oregon Dixieland Jubilee. Headquarters: Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Guest Artist: (*) Bob Draga. Featured Bands: 234th Army Band, Black Swan Classic J.B., Blue Street J.B., Cornet Chop Suey, High Sierra J.B., Ivory & Gold, No Inhibitions, South Burgundy Street J.B., Titan Hot Seven, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Uptown Low- down Jazz, Wally’s Warehouse Waifs. A.E. Badges: $80 until 2/1 then $85. Daily badges available. Contact Info: Oregon Dixie- land Jubilee, PO Box 813, Seaside, OR 97138-0813. Information and VISA sales: 866-345-6257, 10am-5pm, M-F. Website: www. jazzseaside.com Lodging: Visitor’s Bureau, 888-306-2326. Email: [email protected]

... Notes from the Prez ...

Here we are at the last Jazz Sunday of 2010. It’s been quite a year. Here’s something special - Curt Beard’s family has graciously The music has been wonderful and will continue in 2011. This month donated Curt’s very extensive CD collection to the Society. We have is election month. We had three positions to fill and thankfully we have 500 or so CD’s available and will be bringing 100 each month to Jazz three members who are interested in filling those positions. Please until everyone has had a chance to buy as many as they desire. We vote anyway as it’s part of the process we as a Society maintain. will sell them for $5.00 each. He had some special CD’s which will I’ve already mentioned our new “Soundings” editor, Anita be priced as marked. All the money will go to the Society’s General LaFranchi. She’s working hard on getting the newsletter up to speed Fund. With this extra influx of funding we’ll be able to continue to again. One thing that I would like to mention is that we still need bring bands in from out of town, which I know you all enjoy. Stop by stories from our members. In the past we’ve heard several wonderful the CD table and check them out. stories and now’s the time to send more. Anita’s email address is Here’s wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday Season and we’ll [email protected]. You can write them in an email format look for you in January when Uptown Lowdown will be playing for us. and send them along to her. It would be great to have articles written by as many of you as can, a different perspective is always welcome. Cheers, Judy Jazz Soundings December 2010 Page 5

Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society 19031 Ocean Ave., Edmonds, WA 98020-2344

Please (enroll) (renew) (me) (us) as a member or members

Name Address City, State Zip Code E-Mail Phone Check when renewing if your address label is correct

Dues for 12 months: Single $25 Couple $40 Lifetime single $200 Lifetime Couple $350 Patron $500 (One or two lifetime membership) Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the performance and preservation of traditional jazz. Your membership and contributions are tax-deductible. Thank you.

The New Orleans Restaurant

Proudly presents

Ray Skjelbred and Bob Jackson

Thursday, Dec 2nd 7 - 10 p.m.

114 1st Ave. S., Seattle, WA

New Orleans Quintet Monday 6:30 - 9:30 holotradband Tuesdays 7:00 - 10:00 p, First Thursday Band Every first Thursday Ham Carson Quintet Thursdays 7 - 10 pm Puget Sound Non-profit Org Traditional Jazz Society U..S. Postage 19031 Ocean Ave. Paid Edmonds, WA 98020-2344 Seattle, WA Permit 1375 Address service requested

Your invitation 7KLVLQYLWDWLRQLV0$1'$725< IRUWKH3XJHW6RXQG7UDGLWLRQDO-D]] 6RFLHW\HYHQWWKLVPRQWK

BANDS, CONTACTS AIN’T NO HEAVEN SEVEN Leader: Terry Rogers HOT CLUB SANDWICH Contact: James Schneider [email protected] 206-465-6601 www.hotclubsandwich.com 206-561-1137 CASEY MacGILL’s BLUE 4 TRIO HUME STREET PRESERVATION JAZZ BAND Contact: Mike Daugherty [email protected] 206- Bookings: Karla West 406-862-3814 832-5372 www.blue4trio.com JAZZ UNLIMITED BAND Leader: Duane Wright COAL CREEK JAZZ BAND Leader: Arny Robbins [email protected] 866-337-2111 206-499-2719 [email protected] JAZZ STRINGS Bookings: Candace Brown COMBO DE LUXE Bookings: Candace Brown [email protected] 253-752-6525 www.combodeluxe.net [email protected] LOUISIANA JOYMAKERS! Leader: Leigh Smith 253-752-6525 [email protected] 604-294-9464 CORNUCOPIA CONCERT BAND Leader: Allan Rustad MIGHTY APHRODITE Co-leaders: Bria Skonberg, www.comband.org 425-744-4575 Claire McKenna DR. D AND THE DIXIE DOGS Leader: Ansgar Duemchen [email protected] 405-613-0568 [email protected] www.dr-d-dixiedogs.com NEW ORLEANS QUINTET Leader: Dave Holo 425-337-1740 www.neworleansquintet.com 253-875-6932 DUKES OF DABOB Bookings: Ernie Landes NO INHIBITIONS JAZZ BAND 360-437-9588 [email protected] 360-981-7412 www.noinhibitionsjazz.com DUWAMISH JAZZ BAND Bookings: Carol Johnston RAINIER JAZZ BAND Manager: Randy Keller [email protected] 206-932-7632 [email protected] 206-782-1521 FIRST THURSDAY BAND Leader: Ray Skjelbred, RAY SKJELBRED [email protected] 206-420-8535 [email protected] 206-420-8535 FOGGY BOTTOM JAZZ BAND Leader: Bruce Cosacchi RONNIE PIERCE JAZZ ENSEMBLE www.foggybottomjazz.com 360-638-2074 [email protected], 206-467-9365 GRAND DOMINION JAZZ BAND Bookings: Bob Pelland UPTOWN LOWDOWN JAZZ BAND Leader: Bert Barr [email protected] 360-387-2500 [email protected] 425-898-4288 holotradband Leader: Dave Holo WILD CARDS JAZZ Leader: Randy Keller www.holotradband.com 253-875-6932 [email protected] 206-782-1521