[Dixielandjazz] Re: BoB Zurke (was Miles Davis - OKOM - Leonard Feather)

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Steve,
The answer to your Bob Zurke query.
Yes, he was in the Metronome 'readers poll' and on the 2 sides,"Blue Lou/The
Blues", recorded overnight for Victor on 11/12 Jan 1939 by the 'All Star Band'.
Over the years the 3 takes of "Blue Lou' and the 2 takes of "The Blues" have
been issued. (Yes, I have them all).
The All Stars were Charlie Spivak (on BL), Harry James (on Blues), Bunny
Berigan, Sonny Durham; t; Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, tb; Benny Goodman, cl;
Hymie Schertzer, as; Arthur Rollini, Eddie Miller, ts; Bob Zurke, p; Carmen
Mastren, g; Bob Haggart, sb; Ray Bauduc, d.
The session was organised by Metronome magazine with a lot of behind-the-scene
cajoling by writer George T Simon. 
A difficult job, considering the logistics of assembling the musicians in New
York at the same time, plus problems like the then feud between BG and TD.
The above is an over-simplification of the facts. The session took some time and
effort to actually organise.
Great stuff too.
As for your comments on Jim's piece.
Well said - as usual.
Kind regards,
Bill.