[Dixielandjazz] New version of the "Killer Trombone" story

[David Richoux]

Isn't it great how urban legends mutate over the years!?

Dave Richoux

> From Vibes2000 (Dave) NewsBOCHOLT, GERMANY A band musician died of a
> brain injury when the trombonist behind him jerked the slide of his
> trombone forward and struck the trumpeter in the back of the head.
> Police say the tragedy occurred as the band was rehearsing the spirited
> American jazz classic "When The Saints Go Marching In". Trombonist 
> Peter
> Niemeyer, 19, "got carried away" with the music. At one point, he 
> jerked
> forward and the rounded metal slide on his instrument hit the trumpet
> player. "Niemeyer was pumping the slide very hard," said medical
> examiner Dr. Max Krause. "But it wasn't just the force of the blow that
> killed Mohr. The slide struck him in the worst possible place -- the
> vulnerable spot just behind and below the left ear. Bone fragments
> pierced his brain, killing him instantly. "The incident has provoked a
> storm of controversy over whether or not American jazz should be played
> in German colleges. "I believe the music is to blame," said Gratzfeld
> band director Heinrich Sommer. "I was pressured to play that selection
> by school administrators. But I've always said jazz is dangerous music.
> Our musicians can't control themselves when they play it. They move and
> rock back and forth, creating chaos. If I had my way, American 
> Dixieland
> would be outlawed in Germany. I've been directing bands for 30 years 
> and
> I've never heard of anyone dying while playing a German march."