I suppose everybody has an origin story for their love of jazz. My awakening was stumbling on Ahmad Jamal’s “Stomping at the Savoy” while fiddling on my father’s Nordmende radio. It must have been shortly after it was released in 1958. I am now 80 years old and remember the moment like it was yesterday.
I was about 5 years old when an uncle gave my parents a heavy old Pentron mono reel-to-reel tape recorder with the green "magic eye" VU meter and a stack of pre-recorded tape reels. In among audio samplers, show tunes and classical recordings was George Shearing's Black Satin. I played that tape countless times feeling the freedom in those ever-so-short solo passages. I didn't know it was "jazz" but I knew that liked it. Then my 4th grade teacher played Getz/Gilberto for the class. That really lit my love for jazz. That prompted be to buy my own copy of Getz/Gilberto on an Ampex acetate open reel tape. I still have that tape and it still sounds wonderful.
15 years ago, in a Bourbon Street fish house, a trio’s playing could tear your heart out. Just another no-name, spilling out talent among his partners. I nervously walked over to the trumpeter, like a little 1950’s baseball fan watching Willie Mays step to the plate, just to say how beautiful it all was. The young man looked at me, gratified, surprised, “Thank you. I never even think anyone’s listening.”
I just turned 16 years old when the “Peter Gunn” tv series came out.. I watched it weekly, loved the music, the story line, and the interaction between Craig Stevens and Lola Albright butmost of all the music by Henry Mancini just hooked me in, even though that was my Elvis Presley period.. I remember buying the Peter Gunn LP at Jordan Marshs’ downtown Boston store .. they had the best record department in Boston..
I have the impression that you've elevated the bar on your posts recently - not that the bar wasn't already high enough. But your comments have evoked a flood of wonderful responses lately, that go to the heart of why fans love jazz. Fine journalism.
Hi Paul. Many thanks for your kind words. It brings me great joy to unite a global audience around something we all love and relate to—jazz and great music in general. And I love that readers chime-in daily, free from the hostility and anxiety of most social platforms. Wonderful to host this six-day-week online party. So glad you're aboard.
To help eliminate any confusion re: my name, please forget Paul & use Lee. Only matters because I've sent you several emails & photos over the years, using Lee Prout, the name that I am known by. Thanks.
I suppose everybody has an origin story for their love of jazz. My awakening was stumbling on Ahmad Jamal’s “Stomping at the Savoy” while fiddling on my father’s Nordmende radio. It must have been shortly after it was released in 1958. I am now 80 years old and remember the moment like it was yesterday.
I fell in love listening to Dave McKenna at the piano at the Boston Copley Plaza Hotel Bar
We frequently saw the marvelous Dave McKenna (my favorite pianist) at the Copley Plaza. If the Red Sox were on TV his breaks could be very long.
Hi Eileen. At one time the Merry-go-Round Bar. The bar and stools went around very slowly.
I was about 5 years old when an uncle gave my parents a heavy old Pentron mono reel-to-reel tape recorder with the green "magic eye" VU meter and a stack of pre-recorded tape reels. In among audio samplers, show tunes and classical recordings was George Shearing's Black Satin. I played that tape countless times feeling the freedom in those ever-so-short solo passages. I didn't know it was "jazz" but I knew that liked it. Then my 4th grade teacher played Getz/Gilberto for the class. That really lit my love for jazz. That prompted be to buy my own copy of Getz/Gilberto on an Ampex acetate open reel tape. I still have that tape and it still sounds wonderful.
Always refreshing to revisit some 1920's listening. I have a soft spot for Bix Beiderbecke.
Just listened to all the tracks. Over an hour just great music! That's why I love jazz. I'm looking forward to Part 2.
15 years ago, in a Bourbon Street fish house, a trio’s playing could tear your heart out. Just another no-name, spilling out talent among his partners. I nervously walked over to the trumpeter, like a little 1950’s baseball fan watching Willie Mays step to the plate, just to say how beautiful it all was. The young man looked at me, gratified, surprised, “Thank you. I never even think anyone’s listening.”
Jazz lessons are everywhere, for everyone.
https://jgcii.substack.com/p/jazz-in-the-office
I just turned 16 years old when the “Peter Gunn” tv series came out.. I watched it weekly, loved the music, the story line, and the interaction between Craig Stevens and Lola Albright butmost of all the music by Henry Mancini just hooked me in, even though that was my Elvis Presley period.. I remember buying the Peter Gunn LP at Jordan Marshs’ downtown Boston store .. they had the best record department in Boston..
And then came the Harvard Coop. Glad you enjoyed Bruno.
I have the impression that you've elevated the bar on your posts recently - not that the bar wasn't already high enough. But your comments have evoked a flood of wonderful responses lately, that go to the heart of why fans love jazz. Fine journalism.
Hi Paul. Many thanks for your kind words. It brings me great joy to unite a global audience around something we all love and relate to—jazz and great music in general. And I love that readers chime-in daily, free from the hostility and anxiety of most social platforms. Wonderful to host this six-day-week online party. So glad you're aboard.
To help eliminate any confusion re: my name, please forget Paul & use Lee. Only matters because I've sent you several emails & photos over the years, using Lee Prout, the name that I am known by. Thanks.
Ah, Lee. Of course. My apologies. So many subscribers. Best.
Great you have so many subscribers, hope most are the "paid" kind!
J
Your comment never made it through, Dick.
What a great overview! thank you!
My pleasure, Ed. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!