Renovations at the Town & Country RAMBLER By Bill Adams Published by America’s Finest City Jazz Society • San Diego, CA • www.SDjazzfest.org The host hotel for the San Diego Jazz $8.00 Per Issue Fall (November) 2019 Vol. XXXVII No. 4 Festival over the last 39 years has seen many conventions, weddings and community events, and is now in the Celebrating 40 Years process of a much needed $90 million renovation to improve all 700 hotel rooms as well as its pools, restaurants, parking lots, patios and convention space. To Of Fabulous Music the outside observer it may look like the Since 1980, music lovers have Festival favorites returning in 2019 entire hotel is under construction but enjoyed a genuine “Jazz Holiday” in include Grand Dominion Jazz Band, rest assured that all of our music venues, San Diego with World-Class Titanic Jazz Band, Dave Bennett as well as plenty of hotel rooms, are Quartet, Carl Sonny Leyland, Katie ready for our event. musicians. Originally known as the Cavera, Yerba Buena Stompers, Gino What that means to us is this year’s Holiday Bowl Jazz Festival, the event Festival will require some patience. The was moved to Thanksgiving weekend. and the Lone Gunmen, Big Butter Jazz Regency Tower will be completely Next it became the Great American Band, Virginia Tichenor, Marty Eggers remodeled and ready for the Festival, Dixieland Jazz Festival, then the San and the Night Blooming Jazzmen — but the pools, patios and center Garden Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz who have performed at the Festival rooms will still be under renovation. The Festival and finally the San Diego Jazz since the very beginning! There will pathways to the hotel rooms and through Fest — 40 years of presenting the best also be excellent San Diego-area the pool areas will also be impacted by in vintage music! groups at Festival #40 — High Society the construction. The hotel and Festival Festival #40 will continue the grand Jazz Band, Sue Palmer and her Motel staff are working to provide better tradition with a program that runs the Swing Orchestra, Champagne Dixie, directional signage from the rooms to Mad Hat Hucksters, Jazz Jammers, the venues and throughout the property. gamut from Classic Ragtime to New Heliotrope Ragtime Orchestra, With this improvement project we will Orleans, Chicago and San Francisco also have reduced parking this year, so Jazz, small-band swing, Boogie Mission Bay High School we encourage everyone to arrive early Woogie and even Rockabilly at the Preservationists and the Uptown to find a spot and enjoy all of the music. Town & Country Hotel on San Diego’s Rhythm Makers. For those of you who have attended “Hotel Circle.” The Festival will get an early start the Festival before, you will notice those There will be new faces at the the evening of Wed., Nov. 27 when remodeled hotel rooms along with better Festival — the Holland-Coots Jazz the High Society Jazz Band and Sue food options and ADA access as well as Quintet, John Royen’s New Orleans Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra additional bathrooms and the Rhythm with Dan Levinson and Molly alternate sets in the Town & Country groundwork for more parking in 2020. Ryan, and the After Midnight Jazz Ballroom. On Thanksgiving, patrons As you stroll between the venues to who sample the Town & Country’s hear all of the great jazz music, you’ll Band. Two groups which made a hit at traditional Thanksgiving Buffet will notice new carpeting and furniture the 39th Annual San Diego Jazz Fest throughout the property. will be returning — On The Levee Jazz enjoy live solo piano performances. While some of these great Band and the Chicago Cellar Boys. continued on page 3 renovations may not be completely finished for our 40th annual San Diego Jazz Festival, and we may feel slightly inconvenienced during this year’s event, the progress and updates being made will provide all of us with a better experience for years to come.

Band sponsors will pick up their ribbons, badges, programs, and invitations at the Badge Sales Booth in the Atlas Lobby of the T&C Hotel starting at 5pm on Wednesday. Chicago Cellar Boys will return to the 2019 Fest. JAZZ RAMBLER Jazz Alive — Here, There, Everywhere FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 VOL. XXXVII - NO. 4 (To have events included in the Jazz EUPHORIA BRASS BAND The JAZZ RAMBLER is published quarterly Rambler or on the AFCDJS website, Check the website schedule at for $20 per year ($25 foreign) by America’s submit updates by the 28th of each www.euphoriabrassband.com Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society. Address all month to Myrna Goodwin at LAKESIDE JAZZ CLUB correspondence to P.O. Box 880387, San [email protected].) Diego, CA 92168-0387. 1st Sundays (951-245-9504), Lake America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society JAZZ JAMMERS Elsinore Elks Club, 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar, CA, 1:30-4:30pm (Featured is a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 organization. For infor- Fuddruckers, Wednesdays, 6-8pm band at 3pm) mation about the Society, call (619) 297-5277. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. Website: www.SDjazzfest.org (619) 561-8236 or [email protected] Single copy price $8.00. Editorial contribu- RAMONA SENIOR CENTER tions welcome. Contents of Jazz Rambler are SAN DIEGO BANJO BAND Fridays, George Newman’s copyrighted © (2018) by America’s Finest City VFW Hall #1512 , 6873 Federal Blvd, Dixieland, 11:30am-1pm. Musicians Dixieland Jazz Society and may not be re- Lemon Grove, Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm welcome, 434 Aqua Lane, Ramona, (619) printed without permission. Jazz Publications 876-4300 X146 and Jazz Club Newsletters may reprint articles CHAMPAGNE DIXIE provided the following credit is included: “Re- Welk Resorts, “Festival under the CJ SAMS and KATIE CAVERA printed from the Jazz Rambler, San Diego, Lights,” 8830 Lawrence Welk Rd., Curley’s Café, 1999 E. Willow (at California.” The Jazz Rambler and Society Escondido, Tuesdays - Nov. thru Feb. Cherry), Signal Hill, CA. Free. functions are funded in part by the City of San 5:30-8:00pm. No Cover. Dance floor, Wednesdays. Best to confirm dates and Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Food & beverages available. times. Free. Info: www.katiecavera.net. BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPTOWN RHYTHM MAKERS Bill Adams, President/Executive Director CROWN CITY DIXIELAND BAND Check website for upcoming gigs. Bob Solsbak, Vice President Wednesdays from 6:30-9pm, Burger www.facebook.com/URMjazz Myrna Goodwin, Secretary Continental Restaurant, Pasadena (626) 792-6634 Ed Adams, Robert Andersen, Tony REY VINOLE’S DIXIELAND Connors, Morgan Day, Joe Jensen, WORKSHOP Ruthe Monteith ROYALE GARDEN DIXIE BAND Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, The Orchard, 4040 Every Monday night except 5th AFCDJS STAFF Hancock, San Diego (858) 581-9293 Monday 7pm, El Patio Restaurant, 1750 Hal Smith, Artistic Director W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. More info Crystal Solsbak, Office Manager THE SAINTS Kristin Schulte, Bookkeeper St. Paul’s Villa Senior Facility, (951) 898-2174 2340 4th Ave., San Diego. 2nd and 4th RAMBLER STAFF BALDY MOUNTAIN SWING Fridays, 2-3:30, (619) 384-7574. Editor: Jay F. Levine 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 8-10:30pm, at Staff Writers: Myrna Goodwin • Hal Smith HIGH SOCIETY JAZZ BAND The Press, 129 Harvard Ave., Claremont • Bob Solsbak Check the website schedule for Info: (909) 625-4808 Staff Photographers: Dave Long • Alex upcoming gigs. More info Larry (858) Matthews • Prismatic Sky 277-5294. www.highsocietyjazzband.com SEAL BEACH, CA Advertise in the Rambler Tuesdays, 6-9pm, Leisure World MAD HAT HUCKSTERS Advertising in the Jazz Rambler is one of MAD HAT HUCKSTERS Dixieland Workshop, 13550 Seal Beach the best ways to reach a large exclusive audience Check the website schedule. Blvd., Club House 3, rm. 8, (562) 594- of Trad Jazz fans. With our circulation of www.facebook.com/madhathucksters/ 5722 approximately 2,000 and an estimated reader- SUE PALMER ship of 3,500, you will be reaching thousands NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CLUB Check the website schedule for of people who are interested in all aspects of OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA upcoming gigs at www.suepalmer.com Traditional Jazz. 3rd Sunday, 1pm. Westminster The Rambler is published quarterly. Dead- Lanes, 6471 Westminster Ave., lines are the 5th of the month, prior to the date The AFCDJS Westminster of issue. Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1. Advertising Rates Monthly Concert Series S. BAY N. ORLEANS JAZZ CLUB Full page — $275.00 Lafayette Hotel 2nd Sunday, 12:30-5pm, Knights of One Half page — 150.00 Columbus Hall, 214 Avenue I, Redondo One Third page — 110.00 Nov. 17 — Titanic Jazz Band One Quarter page — 85.00 Dec. — Dark Beach. (310) 374-3174 One Eighth page — 50.00 Jan. 19, 2020 — Hot Jazz Instructors For a rate sheet, write AFCDJS, P.O. Box SO CAL HOT JAZZ SOCIETY 880387, San Diego, CA 92168-0387 or call See more details on page 6 1st Sunday. American Legion Post (619) 297-5277. 335, Southgate. (323) 566-9128. 1pm

PAGE 2 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER Celebrating . . . continued from front page Monthly Jazz Concerts The official kickoff will begin at 6pm, Sponsored by America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society with the Katie Cavera Trio Nov. 17 — Titanic Jazz Band entertaining in the Golden Foyer. From 7-11pm, six bands will perform Dec. — Dark in the Golden and Town & Country Jan. 19, 2020 — Hot Jazz Instructors Ballrooms. All performers will be on deck Fri., Lafayette Hotel & Suites Nov. 29. In addition to the regularly- scheduled sets, Festival patrons can Mississippi Room • 2223 El Cajon Blvd. • San Diego enjoy a full day of performances All Programs: 1-4pm • Admission-$20 • Members-$15 • Under 30 (with photo ID)-$8 starting with the Dick Williams & PLEASE SUPPORT LIVE TRADITIONAL JAZZ! Friends band at 9:15am. Trad and Swing showcases are scheduled for ATTEND OUR MONTHLY CONCERT/DANCES! the afternoon, capped off by the Jerry Check www.sdjazzfest.org for the latest information Lee Lewis-inspired Memphis Speed Kings. sets at “Pianorama” as well as special On Saturday, the festivities start sets such as “The Jazz Guitars,” “Ragtime Small Band even earlier, with the Dick Williams – New Orleans Style,” “Boogie Woogie group stomping off the first number Spectacular,” “Parasol Strut” and Music Archives at 8:15am. Beginning in the afternoon, “Sweethearts Of Swing.” Musically- AFCDJS maintains an archive of Trad Jazz bands will be scheduled inclined attendees are encouraged to over 2,600 small band music consecutively in the Town & Country join in at the JazzSea Jams. Those who arrangements, which we make room while Swing groups will be wish to find out which foot to put in front available to school and youth featured in the Golden Ballroom, of the other on the dance floor may bands, community, church, start- culminating in the nighttime “Swing partake of both social dancing and swing up, and non-profit music groups. Extravaganza” with continuous music dancing classes. Ask about the Top Thousand by On The Levee Jazz Band and the On behalf of AFCDJS and the San most-requested small band music arrangements, on a DVD disc. Mad Hat Hucksters. Diego Jazz Fest, we look forward to Go to www.sdjazzfest.org and Sunday morning will revive a seeing many old friends and meeting click “Small Band Music” at the longstanding tradition — The Night many new friends at our 40th Annual bottom of the page or contact Bob Blooming Jazzmen’s “Hymn-a-Long.” event. Let’s celebrate 40 years of Solsbak at archive@ sdjazzfest.org. The good music will continue through good times! the day until 5:15pm, when the “Wrap- There is still time to order badges, Up Jam Session” commences with make hotel reservations at the Town Katie Cavera, the Big Butter Jazz Band & Country and sponsor a band, and a plethora of Festival musicians. musician or performance venue. During the weekend, Festival Please see the advertisement on page patrons can also enjoy the solo piano 5 for more information.

AFCDJS is a member of: • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce • San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau The versatile, talented and highly entertaining Dave Bennett! JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 3 Chet Jaeger and the Last Chance To Sponsor ‘Night Bloomers’ Few of us have attended all forty Jazz Festival #40! SDjazzfests, although some claim There are just a few weeks until • 40th Annual SD Jazz Fest attending a remarkable 37 or 38. As Festival #40 begins. We have a great commemorative pin (this year only!) for bands and musicians, the lineup with new and old favorites, The $600 level includes two All wonderful and always pleasing Night bands that will accommodate both Trad Events badges and selection of two Blooming Jazzmen do have a claim in Jazz fans as well as dancers at our bands or musicians plus the other that NBJ is the only band in the line- Swing Extravaganza. You won’t be perks listed above. up this year that also performed at the disappointed! Thanks to all of the Start the process now by deciding very first San Diego Festival in 1980 sponsors who have already responded which band(s) or musician(s) you want (then known as the Holiday Bowl and selected their bands and to sponsor, decide on one badge ($300) Dixieland Jazz Festival). In addition, musicians, received their 40th or two badges ($600), and send a check Chet Jaeger was the band leader at anniversary pin (more on that below) to AFCDJS, P.O. Box 880387, San the first Festival and also when NBJ and helped to bring in some of the Diego, CA 92168-0387 with your name/ takes the stage at the 40th. The group best musicians in the world and make address and the name of the band(s) missed our Festival one year in late our Festival the best it can be. or musician(s) you would like to ’80s, but 39 out of 40 is indeed a It is easy to become a sponsor, sponsor. You can also do this online remarkable record. with the following perks available to at www.SDjazzfest.org . The Night Blooming Jazzmen also our sponsors. At the $300 level you Note: In order to have your traveled to San Diego numerous times will receive: sponsorship acknowledged on our to perform at our monthly society • 5-Day All Events badge & Sponsor website, in the Festival program and concerts thus giving Chet and the ribbon (The difference of the badge on the band signs we must receive band additional opportunities to and sponsorship is tax deductible!) your sponsorship by November 10, entertain us with some creative wit in • Invitation to the Sponsors’ 2019. addition to excellent music. Gospel Reception Thank you so much for your music performances named “Hymn- • Reserved seating in all venues support. It is vital for the success of A-Long” were introduced at the • Web and Program listing the Festival, which helps keep the SDjazzfest in the early years by Chet • One-year membership in AFCDJS music we love alive. and NBJ, and you can still find the “Night Bloomers” playing some of Donations Being Sought your favorite hymns early Sunday alive.” In addition to festivals, NBJ morning at the 40th Festival. has done hundreds of concerts and For Musicians’ Hospitality Over the course of the past 40+ other special events. Members of Room at Festival #40 years, NBJ has probably played at AFCDJS past and present along with AFCDJS member Carey Thoza is more West Coast festivals than any all of the Night Blooming Jazzmen soliciting donations of snacks for the other group, “keeping the music fans young and old are taking this Musicians’ Hospitality Room at the opportunity to say “Thanks for the 2019 San Diego Jazz Fest. She would Memories” to Chet and the “Night love to have you bring any desserts Bloomers.” or basic snacks including cookies, cake, candy, brownies, cupcakes, Fest #40 Badges Now crackers, nuts, Chex mixes, and any other non-perishable items. Available Online! Carey will purchase other items so When you go to our website, whatever you can bring or whatever you can use your credit card cash you would care to donate is (Visa/MC/AMX) to purchase sincerely appreciated. These items are Festival badges, become a provided to the musicians in addition to the sandwiches, soft drinks and sponsor, join or renew your coffee furnished by the Town & membership, contribute to the Country. Our greatest need is Friday education fund or even enroll and Saturday. Please, contact Carey in jazz camp. Check it out at to let her know how you can help. www.SDjazzfest.org. Email [email protected] or text 619-977-6675 .

PAGE 4 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 5 Upcoming Monthly Concert Series Bands Titanic Jazz Band – November 17 For over 20 years, Titanic Jazz Band has been one of the top Traditional Jazz bands in the U.S.! Organized in 1993, the band has performed at nearly every festival, concert series and jazz club of consequence on the West Coast. Interestingly, both the personnel and the repertoire of the Titanic Jazz Band have remained stable throughout most of the group’s existence — a remarkable tribute to the enduring legacy of San Francisco Jazz as well as the dedication of Titanic’s musicians. Cornetist Dan Comins leads the band, which also includes Keith Elliott, trombone; Mike Baird, reeds; Robbie Rhodes, piano; Vince Saunders, banjo; Ray Cadd, tuba; and Larry Wright, drums. Come to the Mississippi Room on November 16 for a “Trad” experience you are sure to enjoy 4-day Adult Jazz Camp, which takes on page 7. . place from Jan. 16-19. This year’s Note: The Hot Jazz Instructors will Hot Jazz Instructors - Jan. 19, 2020 instructors include Clint Baker, also play an introductory concert for The Hot Jazz Instructors will kick off trumpet; Howie Miyata, trombone; the Jazz Camp Students and AFCDJS the 2020 AFCDJS concerts on Sunday, Dan Levinson, reeds; John Royen, workshop participants beginning at Jan. 19 at 1pm in the Mississippi Ballroom piano; Katie Cavera, banjo/guitar; 7pm on Thursday, Jan. 16 in the of the Lafayette Hotel. This special Marty Eggers, bass /tuba; and Mississippi Ballroom. AFCDJS concert features the out-of-town Steve Apple, drums. Hear this first- members are welcome to attend, and musicians who comprise the AFCDJS class ensemble and you will admission is free. Adult Jazz Camp Faculty. These Hot understand why they were chosen Jazz Instructors have played with many to teach at our Adult Jazz Camp! of the best Traditional Jazz bands in the And—if you are interested in Dance Classes at World. learning to play traditional jazz, be The concert begins at the end of the sure to check out the advertisement SDJazzFest #40 Friday — 10-11am Golden Ballroom Beginning Swing by The Firehouse Swing Dance ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday — 10-11:30am Town & Country Charleston by Swing Dancing in San Diego ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday 9-10am Golden Ballroom Beginning Lindy Hop by Swing Dancing in San Diego ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday 9-10:30am Town & Country Beginning Balboa by The Firehouse Swing Dance

PAGE 6 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 7 Jazz Society Continues Education Emphasis Thoughts from our Scholarship Recipients AFCDJS sent six students on scholarships to the Teagarden Traditional Jazz Camp or the Francis Parker Summer Jazz Workshop. Below are a few quotes from the those students: Ben Shimabukuro - Piano Each day, there were band rehearsals, theory classes, sectionals, and jam sessions. There jams were performances every night, so I got to play in front of the other campers and watch the other bands play. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Connor Gilbert - Bass Unlike prior summers when I focused on Modern Jazz, studying at the Teagarden Camp gave me much Connor, Paolo, Josie, & Brianna (l,r) more respect for the art of Traditional Josie LaValle -Vocalist Jazz. The faculty were incredibly kind It was so inspiring to see the and informative. students progress throughout the week ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Julia Picker - Vocalist and see our pro teachers play for us This was my third year attending each morning. Thank you for this the camp, and the sunset jam sessions, opportunity to grow and make air band competitions, and hikes to connections with students like me and the freezing creek have come to be my professionals in the local San Diego favorite part of summer vacation. I am music scene. so thankful for another memorable ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ year at jazz camp and I can’t wait to Brianna Eckenrod - Vocalist bring everything I learned back to San I developed friendships and not Diego! only learned from the talented ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ instructors but from the other students Paolo Roque - Piano as well. I am so grateful for the Under the tutelage of some of the generous scholarship that allowed me best local musicians, I was able to to be a part of this program. further develop my skills as I was Julia Picker (c) and fellow campers challenged to perform better every day. It was a blessing to be able to learn directly from instructors who professionally play the piano and learn new techniques to add to my repertoire. Education Donors Dawn Club John Dehler Lois Mulcahey Rodney Orth Ben Shimabukuro (center, in plaid shirt) with his bandmates

PAGE 8 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER **

JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 9 Monthly Concert Highlights — Great Jazz!

Jazz Jammers— July 28

Holy Crow Jazz Band— August 18

Uptown Rhythm Makers — Sept. 15

PAGE 10 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 11 AFCDJS PRESENTS FREE 2019-2020 JAZZ WORKSHOPS (2nd Thurs. of month, 7-9 pm) Nov. 14 • Dec. (Dark) Jan. 9 • Feb. 13 • March 12 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 Traditional Jazz! Furnished: Drums, piano and a core group of instructors. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ALL AGES & TALENT LEVELS WELCOME! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ (619) 297-JASS (5277) www.SDjazzfest.org The personnel of many local bands who have appeared at our Festivals have been participants in the AFCDJS free Jazz Workshops. Update AFCDJS With New Emails Some of our members have updated or changed their email addresses. We are unable to send concert notices or even the Jazz Rambler password to those who have requested it. If you have changed your email address within the past year, please email the AFCDJS Office Manager, Crystal Solsbak, with the new e-mail address to crystal jazzsociety @gmail.com. If you want to start receiving the Rambler online, you may indicate that as well. Online subscriptions help to cut postage costs so we can use that money for promoting “The Music.”

PAGE 12 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 13 Mendell . . . Donate Used Instruments to CCMS Continued from back page AFCDJS and the Council for clarinet, guitar, trumpet, sax, lessons from Joe “King” Oliver. Music in the Schools remind trombone, violin, flute (in high He played with several Chicago- members that the donation of used demand), cello, or even a drum kit — based dance bands and made his instruments is not limited to during that may be just collecting dust first recordings (with Terry and the Festival. Anyone wanting to awaiting its next musical maestro. Freeman) in 1928. The source of donate during the year, is welcome CCMS will mail each contributor an to bring the instrument(s) to any of official letter for tax purposes. the Oliver-like mutework is our Monthly Concerts. Keep the If you do not have an instrument obvious, but the weird growls, music alive. Pass the torch to the to contribute but would like to help, a shakes and abrupt phrasing on the next generation. donation of any amount can help Freeman session must have The Community Council for Music purchase additional needed originated with Mendell himself. in the Schools (CCMS), a non-profit instruments. (Currently, there is a He worked in Chicago during organization, will place the critical need for violins and violas.) the Depression years and recorded instruments with music teachers in With school budgets as they are, again with Charles Lavere and his San Diego Unified School District your unused instruments (or Orchestra in 1935. Unfortunately, (including elementary, middle and contribution) will allow deserving on the Lavere date he was not high schools) for loan to students in students to enroll in music classes. given any solos and his uninhibited school music classes, bands and Who knows, your trumpet may go to tone and attack are not evident in orchestras who cannot afford to buy the next . the section playing. In the late or rent their own instruments. All ’30s Mendell worked with the donations are tax deductible. Festival Volunteers Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet Dig into your closets, attics, Orchestras but he did not achieve garages or under the bed, to find Volunteer assignments are in the Harry James-like stardom. Even- your old musical instruments — works and will be mailed to you the tually he settled permanently in first week of November. Please contact us if there are any changes to your Chicago and stopped playing music concerts reveal that the old fire and unorthodox approach were still availability. full-time. During the ’40s he The 2019 Festival volunteer appeared on a few recording evident in Mendell’s playing, over orientation will be held at the Town & sessions for small collector labels, 30 years after his recordings with Country Hotel and Convention Center though many of the sides remain Bud Freeman. On another occasion in Royal Palm I and II - on Sunday, unreleased. He also played in the 1960s, Mendell was invited November 24, 2019. We encourage all occasionally with his colleagues to sit in with the Duke Ellington new volunteers to attend. Come take from earlier times — Bud Freeman Orchestra! Although that a tour and learn what’s expected of and Bud Jacobson — and taught performance was not recorded, it you in your position! music. is not difficult to imagine the kind If you have questions, please contact Crystal Solsbak at 619-316- In the early 1960s Mendell of unusual mute techniques and “vocalization” that Mendell 3393 or send her an email at began to play with a talented group [email protected]. of younger musicians which employed on that very special included clarinetist Frank Chace, occasion. guitarist Marty Grosz, saxophonist Johnny Mendell passed away in HELP WANTED! Bob Skiver, drummer Wayne Jones 1966, but a select few contempo- Your Society has an and others. In 1963 he was with rary hornmen appreciate his unique immediate need for a Chace’s band at a concert at the playing style. All Classic Jazz volunteer to help with Chicago Public Library The lovers should take a listen to Bud advertising. Time required is following year Mendell performed Freeman’s 1928 recordings of 2-5 hours per week. Contact with another Chace-led group at a “Crazeology” and “Can’t Help Myrna Goodwin by phone at (619) 992-3787 or email at Chicago Historical Society Lovin’ Dat Man O’ Mine” (via You Tube, iTunes Spotify, Pandora, goodwinhawkins @cox.net. concert. The band also included Get involved and see how etc.) to enjoy Mendell’s Chicago Jazz veterans Floyd you can help keep your O’Brien (trombone), Tut Soper otherworldly cornet playing. He is favorite music alive in San (piano) and Jim Lanigan (bass). definitely a jazzman who deserves Diego. You'll be happy you did! Private recordings of these to be better known. PAGE 14 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER Welcome New and Renewal Members July, August, Sept., 2019 Charline Feeser Hal & Georgia Myers Herb & Pat Abram Jeffrey Fink Rodney Orth Bob Andersen Will Forbis & Alison Marae Jason Picker Jethro Antonio Goran Freske Adrienne Pipes Diane Bradley Teresa Guerrero Tina Rakowski Garrett & Janet Bouma Kenneth & Sandra Johnson William & Kaylee Rintamaki Tony Connors Claudia Jerzewski Shu Schell Kevin & Ellen Elder Merrilee Kazarian Marti Templeton & Barbara Ellis Dan & Sharon Kitchen Jo Ann Grioghio Joni & Cory Edelman David & Cheryl Larkin Alex Xydes & Lila Delgadillo Roger & June Entringer Sherre Lovick Things To Do Online: Maximize Your Sponsorship With a • Purchase Fest Badges • Make Hotel Reservations Matching Gift From Your Company • Sponsor a Band Because AFCDJS is a registered as a benefit by many companies to 501 [c] 3 non-profit charitable • Join the Society current and retired employees. Just a corporation, some of our sponsors can few example companies include: • Read the Jazz Rambler double or even triple their society, General Electric, American Airlines, • Make an Educ. Donation band or musician donation to AFCDJS Dell, Home Depot, Verizon, Wells • Enroll in Jazz Camp by having their company match their Fargo and Morgan Stanley. Check donation through a Matching Gift with your company’s human • Get Volunteer Info Program. Such programs are offered resources department to see if they offer a matching gift program and get MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL /SUBSCRIPTION FORM the needed forms to complete. Your Please check the applicable boxes and mail to: donation or sponsorship will go even AMERICA’S FINEST CITY DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY further. P.O. Box 880387 • San Diego, CA 92168-0387 • Phone: (619) 297-5277 NEW  RENEWAL  Enclosed is  $25.00 for a single membership (includes Jazz Rambler) Support live music  $40.00 for a couple membership (includes Jazz Rambler)  $20.00 for annual subscription / Jazz Rambler only in your city.  $25.00 — foreign Keep Jazz Alive! on SUPPORT THE EDUCATION FUND  $1,000 Cotton Club  $250 Storyville Club  $100 Dawn Club  Please contact me regarding volunteer work for the AFC Dixieland Jazz Society The AFCDJS Board of NAME ______Directors holds its meetings on the second MAILING ADDRESS ______Tuesday of the month. For CITY ______STATE _____ ZIP ______PHONE______venue and time, contact us: [email protected]. EMAIL ______JAZZ RAMBLER FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 PAGE 15 AMERICA’S FINEST CITY NON PROFIT ORG. DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY U.S. POSTAGE Post Office Box 880387 PAID San Diego, California 92168-0387 Permit No. 821 San Diego. CA

Traditional Jazz: A Quick Look Johnny Mendell — Hot Cornet from Another World (This is the tenth mini-biography that have more in common with in a continuation of a series of Harlem’s Cotton Club than biographies of great traditional Chicago’s North Side. jazz musicians. The series Mendell is not exactly a well- started with the March/April known figure in Jazz. Even his last 1991 issue and was developed name is spelled differently (one by Rambler founding publisher “l”) in some publications. There is and Board Member, the late Len only sketchy biographical Levine.) information about him in John Chilton’s Who’s Who of Jazz and By Hal Smith Derek Coller’s Chicago Jazz: The AFCDJS Artistic Director Second Line and he made very few recordings. From what can be In 1928, bassist Thelma Terry’s pieced together, Johnny Mendell Playboys recorded in Chicago. On was born in the Northeast U.S., the four sides there are brief spots when Bud Freeman’s Orchestra shortly after the turn of the 20th by cornetists Carl Rinker and recorded “Crazeology” and “Can’t Century. In the mid-1920s he Johnny Mendell which reflect the Help Lovin’ Dat Man O’ Mine,” wound up in Chicago, and was influences of and Johnny Mendell uncorked some fortunate enough to take some . But later that year, savage, unearthly cornet sounds continued on page14 PAGE 16 FALL (NOVEMBER) 2019 JAZZ RAMBLER