Delighted to read your story. When I turned 14 I lived in Brooklyn, NY, I loved the pop music played by DJ Martin Block on Make Believe Ballroom, with its theme by Glenn Miller's band in the afternoons, and jazz on The Purple Grotto, hosted evenings by Al "Jazzbo" Collins. (His theme was Nat "King" Cole's "Easy Listenin' Blues.") Al inspired me to imitate him in little bursts of respectful parody, and I took the subway to jazz performances in Manhattan, including clubs and venues like Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Fortunately formative years. Thanks also for today's music.
At one time I had subscriptions to both JT and DB and I believe I remember reading articles by you way back then. I am sure they were influential in helping me learn the music.
Yup. Same Pops Armstrong performance on Ed Sullivan did it for me. I still practice virtually every day. So many synchronicities: Brooklyn, Tucson...
The Pariah lives!
Lenny!!
Delighted to read your story. When I turned 14 I lived in Brooklyn, NY, I loved the pop music played by DJ Martin Block on Make Believe Ballroom, with its theme by Glenn Miller's band in the afternoons, and jazz on The Purple Grotto, hosted evenings by Al "Jazzbo" Collins. (His theme was Nat "King" Cole's "Easy Listenin' Blues.") Al inspired me to imitate him in little bursts of respectful parody, and I took the subway to jazz performances in Manhattan, including clubs and venues like Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Fortunately formative years. Thanks also for today's music.
You are a writer fine writer. I love your flow. Did you ever publish in Jazz Times?
Billy Higgins... the epitome of drumming.
I wrote for Down Beat, Jazz Times, Swing Journal (Japan), and many liner notes. And yes, Smilin' Billy Higgins is a Jazz treasure.
At one time I had subscriptions to both JT and DB and I believe I remember reading articles by you way back then. I am sure they were influential in helping me learn the music.