[Dixielandjazz] realistic future for Dixieland jazz

[Jazzjerry at aol.com]

Hi all,

Further to the above subject heading which now seems to have died I would 
like to draw your attention to the August issue of The Mississippi Rag which 
carries reports on 2 British events. The Keswick event notes feature photos of 
Jack (Kid) Carter and Adrian Cox both of whom are young players who are making 
their way as professional musicians on the British and European 'OKOM' circuit. 
The feature by Clarrie Henley on the Blackpool Jazz Party held last May 
reports of the performance of Richard Shepherd a 17 year-old saxophonist who made 
his debut (sponsored by yours truly!) at this event and is shown in a photo with 
Ken Peplowski and Scott Robinson. Richard's style my not be quite OKOM as 
some would like to define it but whilst there are musicians such as Jack, Adrian 
and Richard learning and playing swinging jazz there is always hope that 
Dixieland / Traditional / OKOM (Or what you will) will thrive.

By the way I am looking for a young musician to sponsor for the 2004 
Blackpool Jazz Party. He or she must be of an exceptional level of achievement, be 
able to sight read, have a fairly wide standard rrepertoire and not be phased at 
having to play alongside the best in the world in front of a critical (But 
understanding!) live audience. They should reside in the UK as I can't run to 
airfares. Instrument played does not really matter although this particular jazz 
event has little call for washboards, kazoos, or even banjos.

Cheers,

Jerry,
Norwich,
U.K.