[Dixielandjazz] Al Hirt

[gary]

Listmates,
   Back around 1956 when I was working in Disneyland Al Hirt played days in
the Mouse House and nights in a joint in the town of Orange, called the
'Pink Balloon" on Chapman Av.. I lived about two blocks away and once in
awhile I would wander over, have a beer and listen to him for a little bit.
   The way Al played on the stage at the park and the way he played in the
club were very much different. It's only my opinion but I think the audience
attitude and the location had a great deal of influence. To an untrained ear
it seemed that the music at the park was more commercial and at the Balloon
he let the passion flow.
   As quite a few of you know from other persons who worked at the Mouse
House, Walt was one hell of a task master. As long as you did exactly the
same thing time after time, no problem, but don't change.
   Maybe this is why some think the FHF were also too commercial. Who Knows?
At any rate the policy never changed and now Walt Disney Productions is a
multi billion dollar corporation. They must be doing something right!
   You all have a great day.
   Gary Wallbridge