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Ne w s L E T T e R Editor: Dave Gelly ISSUE 20 ° May 2010

Lottery Funding - Stage Two Success

Our Lottery Fund applica- tion for a Development Grant has been approved.The Archive has been awarded £26,700 to build up an access programme which will ensure that the best Angela Davies, project manager possible use is made of its resources. eventual aim is to make the Photo: John Root, Ongar Jazz bulk of our material available George Webb The programme, which will

NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE JAZZ NATIONAL online, an immense technical, take six months to complete, legal and administrative task. George Webb, founding father of will work mainly on education, the Revival and a cataloguing and conservation. This award follows the suc- cessful completion last year of valued patron of the Archive, died We shall soon be taking on an on 10th March, aged 92. There education and outreach con- a project-planning programme, sultant, who will draw up plans funded by the Heritage Lottery will be a grand show in honour of for study packs and other Fund. George on Sunday 9th May at the teaching resources, together The Archive’s collection . See page 7 for full with ideas for making the now contains over 25,000 sep- Archive’s ever-expanding range arate items, comprising books, details and ’s of material more user-friendly. magazines, pictures, cuttings, personal tribute. Equally important, we shall posters, radio scripts and the be working closely with our personal papers of several colleagues at Essex Record leading jazz musicians and Office in planning a fully com- commentators. prehensive catalogue. We will Councillor David Finch, also welcome their expert help Essex County Council in the delicate and tricky work Cabinet Member for Adults, of conserving old and fragile Health and Community material. Wellbeing, commented: ‘The Angela Davies has been Council has been active in reappointed Project Manager supporting the National Jazz N J A to oversee the whole scheme. Archive for many years. I am Loughton Library, Traps Hill delighted to learn that the Loughton, Essex IG10 1HD We shall then have every- Archive has been successful Tel. 020 8502 0181 thing in place to apply for sec- in achieving Heritage Lottery Fax 020 8508 5041 ond-round major funding to Funding to develop and con- e-mail: [email protected] transform the Archive into a serve their unique collection, website: nationaljazzarchive.co.uk 21st century resource. The which is based in Essex.’ SUPPORTED BY ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, LIBRARIES ARCHIVE NEWS by DAVID NATHAN to the book on , and some excellent DONATIONS photographs of the Fela Chelmsford Jazz Club Sowande Band, taken at the The club has kindly sent us a Florida Club in 1939, Peter cheque for £250, which is made a most unusual much appreciated.We thank donation from the estate of them for their generous - the Melody support.. Maker Cricket Challenge Edward Battershall Cup.This came together with a booklet of The late Mr Battershall left photographs of the cricket us his splendid collection of David Nathan teams organised by Vic over books and magazines in his already had.There was also a the years, which included will.Among notable items large quantity of Cadence many sporting and show- were the special magazine magazines, including several business personalities. published by Capitol that we did not already hold. Records on their 50th Other donations anniversary and Terry Roger Farbey Our thanks also go to all our O’Neill’s book of Frank In addition to the new book donors since the last Sinatra photographs, neither mentioned below, Roger Newsletter, including: Les of which were in our brought in six large files Adams, Ronald Atkins, collection. Runs of magazines containing archive Kenneth Ball, Martin Colvill, such as Jazzwise and Jazz material. Molly Dagnall,Alan Dent, Review will be included in Eric Koss Robin Dorling (on behalf of our outreach programme, the late Len Gillman), Jill Llewellyn, partner of the organised by Graham Michael Barrymore Dunn, late Eric Koss, brought in Langley. Mike Durham, Peter two terrific large, framed Edwards, Digby Fairweather, We were allowed to sell Mr photographs of Buddy Rich Battershall’s fine collection of Jackie Free, Mike Garlick (on and Oscar Peterson, behalf of the late Mike LPs and CDs, which raised together with framed the sum of £810 for the Mealing), Geoffrey Gilbert, caricatures of Buddy Rich Brian Gladwell, R. Hook, Jane Archive. Our grateful thanks and Stan Getz. to Edward Battershall’s Hunter-Randall, Dame Celia To n y Lloyd cousin, Marian Webb, for her Lipton, Dick Laurie, Stephen help in arranging this kind To ny brought in a signed Luke, Roger Miles, Scott donation. photograph of Buddy Rich, Nichol, Colin Prescott, plus concert programme and Gladyse Saul, Rex Shanley Tom Davis magazines relating to Buddy and John Wallbank. I collected from Tom Davis and others, which we did not New Books copies of the Canadian Jazz have. Discography, six volumes of Apart from those we Peter Powell Raben’s Jazz Records 1942- purchase courtesy of Essex 1980 and three Bielefelder Apart from sending in an County Council, the catalogues, none of which we important caption correction following new books have

2 National Jazz Archive Newsletter Issue 20 kindly been donated: Roger Wegweiser Jazz (JazzInstitut Rather like the buses, Farbey,The Music of Ian Carr Darmstadt) - a breakdown nothing had had appeared in -a Critical Discography; Bob of jazz organisations and the general press for some Brunning and Bill Smith,The events in Germany, time, then along came two 100 Club - an Oral History Press Publicity local newspapers in the same (Northdown Publishing); week with full-page spreads Our thanks go to Just Jazz Mike Gerber, Jazz Jews (Five on the Archive. Our thanks magazine for their continuing Leaves Publications); Paddy to Edmund Tobin for his support of the archive and Lightfoot, Six Musicians and a feature in the Epping Forest for including an Banjo Player (Vanguard Guardian of 4th March and advertisement for us in each Press); Maurice Summerfield, to Anna Nalborczyk from issue.Also to them, Jazz Barney Kessel - a Jazz the Loughton and Buckhurst Journal, Jazz UK and The Jazz Legend (Ashley Mark Hill Recorder for her article Rag for including details of Publishing Co); Paul Swinton, on 11th March, following a our Heritage Lottery Fund The Frog & Jazz Annual brief item two weeks earlier. award - and for publicising No 1 (Frog Records Ltd); the November and Volunteers ’s at Fifty December gigs. Last but by no means least, (Palmglen Ltd) - via Paul our ongoing thanks to our Pace; Leslie Thompson (with Ted Hall, Chairman of the valiant band of volunteers Jeffrey Green), Swing From A Branch of the for their terrific help.They Small Island (Northway Sinatra Music Society, wrote are Wally Barnard, Gemma Books);Trevor Tolley, a lovely piece, headed Boyd, Steve Carter,Alan Discographical Essays (Seven “Happy 21st Birthday Quaife, Christine Smith and Willows); Rich J. Johnson, Bix National Jazz Archive” in the George Wilkinson. - the Davenport Album recent issue of Perfectly (Razor Edge Press); Frank. Having a ball with Kenny

There were two hours of great music at the 100 Club when NJA Patron held a special benefit show for the Archive on 1st December. The superb rhythm section of Ted Beament (piano), (bass) and (drums) was joined by Chris Gower (trom- bone), Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Karen Sharp and Dave Gelly (tenors), John Altman (soprano & baritone), plus special guests Val Photo: John Root, Ongar Jazz Wiseman and Eric Delaney. Kenny himself Kenny Ball and Digby swing out for the NJA was in fine form and played magnificently. at the 100 Club Expertly hosting the whole affair and play- ing elegant trumpet was the inexhaustible to Jeff Horton of 100 Club for again donat- Digby Fairweather. ing his club’s facilities to the cause. The gig raised a total of £635. Our thanks

Issue 20 National Jazz Archive Newsletter 3 Digby in the spotlight Digby Fairweather, founder of his own band, Digby examination, this turned out the Archive and no stranger Fairweather’s Half-Dozen, to contain a quantity of to these pages, gave the with the Great British Jazz cannabis, which Digby (a non- Celebrity Interview at Band, the Best of British Jazz indulger) then had to dispose Loughton Methodist Church (in which he replaced the of. in this, our 21st anniversary late, great Kenny Baker), the A less embarrassing year. Pizza Express All-Stars, and presentation followed, when In conversation with Archivist accompanying the inimitable Jane Hunter-Randall, on David Nathan, Digby revealed during the later behalf of the Trustees, gave that the Archive might never years of his career. He also Digby an engraved plaque , in have come into being, had he touched upon his period as a recognition of all he had not been a librarian before busy broadcaster with BBC done for the Archive over 21 becoming a professional radio. years, and for jazz in general. musician in 1977. It was while Those of us who knew Digby The evening concluded with working at Southend Library in his ‘flowing locks’ period a session of live music, in that he conceived the idea of could easily visualise the which Digby was joined by a collection of printed scene retailed in the star John Altman (soprano material related to jazz.The anecdote of the evening, in saxophone),Ted Beament project began to take shape which the proprietor of an (piano), Len Skeat (bass) and in 1988, when his former Indian restaurant mistook Bobby Worth (drums). boss, Frank Easton, then Digby for Roger Daltrey of Essex Deputy County The Who. So convinced was Librarian, found him a small he that he had an incognito corner of Loughton Library rock star on his premises to start off with.This that he brushed all Digby’s eventually became the much protestations aside with larger dedicated space which conspiratorial whispers of we occupy at Loughton ‘your secret is safe with me’, today. or words to that effect. The conversation strolled Finally, with many nods and companionably through winks, he pressed a small Digby’s musical career - with package into the departing Digby’s hands. On later Photo: John Root, Ongar Jazz

Specialist Society Magazines In the last Newsletter we listed the current jazz magazines that can be seen at the archive. Now it’s the turn of specialist magazines and newsletters devoted to individual artists and bands. Here is the up-to- date list. Kenny Ball, BBC Big Band, Sandy Brown, Al Cohn, , Bing Crosby, Sir , Duke Ellington, Robert Farnon, Dick Haymes, Ted Heath, , Dame Cleo Laine, Syd Lawrence, Billy Mayerl, Glenn Miller, NYJO, Harry Roy, Frank Sinatra, Mike & Kate Westbrook

4 National Jazz Archive Newsletter Issue 20 Archive trustee John Altman offers this affectionate tribute to his fellow film-music composer and saxophonist Sir John Dankworth.

Johnny Dankworth (as he major film and television delighted in discovering then was) and Ronnie scores requires a and showcasing new Ross were lost en route multitude of disciplines talent, while never to a gig at Wexford Town and skills. (As one who has abandoning the great Hall.They spotted a pub, attempted to follow the musicians he had grown up John went in for help and same course, I feel very with.The delight and pride the following dialogue qualified to attest to that!) he showed in the abilities ensued with the friendly of Jacqui and Alec were Sir John’s great gift was to landlord: there for all to see, as was make it all seem effortless his continuing love of ‘Can you tell me the best and almost accidental but, working with Cleo. way to get to Wexford rest assured, it attests to To wn Hall?’ his dedication and talent While his life and work that he was able to were honoured and well ‘Do you have a car?’ become probably the most publicised, I personally feel ‘Yes.’ internationally recognised that his skills as a movie British-based jazz musician composer have been ‘Well, that’s the best way in the world. seriously undervalued and to get there!’ are now ripe for Others have written Sir John Dankworth reassessment. Certainly, eloquently about his certainly found that the the fact that he rarely gets musical gifts and the nuts best way to get to a mention in histories of and bolts of his long and Wexford Town Hall, let British film music is a distinguished career. From alone Carnegie Hall, was glaring oversight. Part of a personal standpoint, I indeed to practise. He the reason for this neglect was always flattered and mastered so many could be the fact that he honoured that he took disciplines that we tended chose to devote himself to such an interest in my to take his talents for the jazz side of his life - work, and always knew granted. From playing which is definitely our gain what I had been up to.And Dixieland clarinet with as jazz lovers. I know that talented Freddie Mirfield’s Garbage writers, like Paul Hart and A finer ambassador for Men to topping the bill at Frank Griffith can and will this great music would and Carnegie Hall is a giant say the same. will be hard to find. God leap for anyone, but to bless Danny Jungleworth - become a master He was never afraid to as a poster outside a saxophonist, arranger, mix the generations - 1950s gig had it! bandleader, educator, another plus in what can patron of the arts and still be an ‘ageist’ esteemed composer of environment. John

Issue 20 National Jazz Archive Newsletter 5 John Altman, Film Composer and Jazz Musician, to star in Summer Event

One of our own trustees, who also happens to be a leading Hollywood film composer, will be the star of this year’s Archive summer event. John Altman will speak about his life and career, and follow this by playing soprano and baritone saxophones in a jam session. The afternoon with be hosted by Digby Fairweather, who writes: I first met John Altman in the mid-1970s, while I was making my way as a British Dixieland trum- peter and he, far more spectacularly, was rapidly making his way to Hollywood. One of John’s

original claims to fame was (and is) that he is the Photo: John Root, Ongar Jazz nephew of a British Dixieland legend - Sid John Altman Phillips. Since then, his international musical achievements have surpassed even those of his famous uncle.A quick look at Wikipedia - that’s the best way! - catalogues his outstanding collaborations with rock stars from, Rod Stewart to Diana Ross, his formidable career as a film composer (Hear My Song, Funny Bones, Little Voice, Shall We Dance? etc), and no less as a highly accomplished jazz musi- cian, lauded by respected US critic Don Heckman in the Los Angeles Times as “one of the few film composers with authentic jazz skills”. I can’t wait to talk to my good friend about his spectacular career! The Summer Event takes place on Saturday 10th July, from 1.30pm, at Loughton Methodist Church. Tickets £10 in advance (payable to National Jazz Archive) from David Nathan, National Jazz Archive, Loughton Library,Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1HD.

Why not become a FRIEND OF THE ARCHIVE Have first refusal for tickets to Archive events and receive the Newsletter twice a year. Get in touch with Archivist David Nathan. Details on the front page.

6 National Jazz Archive Newsletter Issue 20 Thank you, George! A tribute by Digby Fairweather So he is gone at last - that tiny titan of its mission as passionately as it did more traditional jazz and cockfighting crusader than six decades ago. for the music he loved, and we love. I was honoured to know George as a George Webb, at the age of only 92, has friend, and occasional musical colleague, for briskly shuffled off his earthly more than 35 years.When, a few months accoutrements and bustled off up yonder ago, he slipped quietly from the piano stool to meet old friends, find a piano and start a amid failing health, I determined that real Dixieland band! respects were due. I rang him up to tell him It seems somehow incredible. Until a few that, via the National Jazz Archive, a months ago this ever-youthful champion of lunchtime party was organized in his traditional jazz was leading his band at honour for Sunday 9th May. jazz club and looking remarkably “Good”, said the weakened by determined similar the how he looked over 60 years voice at the other end.“I’ll have to start before, in 1947, when a new young sideman practising again!” noted his leader’s hands “rolling and He was taken from us soon afterwards, but gambolling like kittens over the piano the party goes on. Owen Bryce,Wally keyboard”. By the time Fawkes and Eddie Harvey of the original joined him, George Webb’s Dixielanders Dixielanders will be there to play along were already headed for legend status. with their successors, and the passionate Ardent crusaders for the authentic fires which Britain’s father of traditional jazz Dixieland music - overlooked and first lit in 1942 will burn as bright as ever. forgotten, it seemed, in the swing era - the Don’t miss this historic event! Here are the Dixielanders and their diminutive leader set details: about changing the face of British jazz at the Red Barn in Barnehurst, Kent. No need to tell again the story so well told Thank You, George! by this brisk and courageous man in the Sunday 9th May, 12 noon - 2.30pm. pages of Just Jazz magazine and in his notes Tickets £10: call Jenny Angus on for the Lake CD compilation of the 07919 377099 or at door, or book at Dixielanders’ recordings.The music www.wegottickets.com/event/70422 contained there shouts with the urgency of

Receive your Newsletter by post Please send me regular copies of the National If you do not already receive your Jazz Archive Newsletter Newsletter by post and would like to, please fill in your details on the slip Name ...... below and send it to Jazz Services, Address ...... who are looking after this for us...... Their address is: ...... Post Code...... Jazz Services, 1st Floor, 132 Email ...... Southwark Street, London SE1 0SW Te lephone ...... Issue 20 National Jazz Archive Newsletter 7 ✁ Editorial

couple who obviously Photo: carried on like this all the by Helen Kitto time without the least sign of irritation on either side.After the meeting a few of us took them out to dinner at an Indian Searching for something restaurant and Cleo else among ancient impressed the entire editions of the Melody company by consuming Maker a while ago, I came This picture, dating from the hottest vindaloo on across what I think is the the Stone Age (well, 1962 the menu without a earliest printed reference actually) was taken on the qualm. to John - it was at a second occasion John special ‘Dixieland Session’ This was during the held at the Feldman Swing Dankworth and I met. He period between the was presenting me with club (100 Oxford Street, completion and release of W1) on 1st June 1946, the winning band’s trophy Saturday Night and at that year’s Inter- featuring ‘Johnny Sunday Morning, the first Dankworth, clarinet’ and University Jazz Contest. feature film with a The first occasion was in (wait for it!) ‘Humphrey Dankworth score. Over Littleton (sic), trumpet’. the previous year, when the next few years it the Cambridge University And that’s the first seemed that every new printed reference I can jazz club invited John to British film worth seeing bring along a few of his find for Humph, too. Both bore a Dankworth music on the same session! John favourite records and talk credit.This success meant about them. He duly would have been 18 at that the cute ‘Johnny’ the time, and Humph, arrived, accompanied by became the more Cleo and a pile of albums, until recently a Captain in dignified ‘John’, but it also the Grenadier Guards, 25. several of which turned spelt the end of a out on closer inspection permanent Dankworth There now - see what to be album covers with orchestra, whose amazing things you can no contents.That didn’t broadcasts had provided find out when there’s a really matter, since he the alternative to Jazz Archive handy! spoke so agreeably, with homework throughout my Cleo gently correcting secondary school career. him every time he mentioned a name, a date Sir John was a great or a place.This was supporter of the Archive. something that one got Both he and Dame Cleo, used to.The last time the as Patrons, have been three of us were together Celebrity Interviewees. In in the same room, in fact, they both stepped in 2009, she was still gently at very short notice in DAVE GELLY correcting him.You’d have 2007, when to go a long way to find a was indisposed.

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