[Dixielandjazz] Knocky Parker playing by ear

[Robert S. Ringwald]

Regarding the question about Knocky Parker not reading music.

I received the following e-mail from pianist Robbie Rhodes.


Bob
mr.wonderful at ringwald.com


 From: "Robbie Rhodes" <rrhodes at foxtail.com>
To: "Robert S. Ringwald" <ringwald at calweb.com>
Cc: "Robbie Rhodes" <rrhodes at foxtail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 1:09 AM
Subject: Re: Knocky Parker playing by ear


> Hi Bob
>
> Yeah, Knocky hated to read music.  Banjoist Smokey Montgomery, Knocky's
long-time pal, confirmed the story to me.  Indeed, he played Scott Joplin
rags by ear, which sort of explains why the Audiophile recordings sound like
Knocky and nobody else!
>
> Smokey also told me that Knocky once performed the Gershwin Rhapsody in
Blue with a local orchestra, playing entirely by ear.  I'm sure he did well,
too.
>
> Cheers and beers
>
> Robbie Rhodes
>