[Dixielandjazz] 'Mouldy Figs' term

[Dan Augustine]

DJML (anybody)--
    This message reminded me that i've always been curious who came up with the term 'mouldy fig' (or even 'Mouldye Fygg') to pertain to dixieland (or trad, or whatever).  Who did it, when, and what does it really mean? 
    I checked the OED about this, and they seemed to think some guy from France wrote a letter to a magazine about dixieland and signed it 'Moldy Fig'.  Was that it?  Was this a popular and tasty French snack (at least to them, who like snails and other comestibles of doubtful succulence)?

    Dan
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>From: KenASlater at aol.com
>Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 11:38:37 EDT
>Subject: [Dixielandjazz] The Real Mersey Sound
>
>In a message dated 16/07/2003 15:19:35 GMT Daylight Time,
>jpettjazz at btinternet.com writes:
> > Are you seriously comparing the quality of the art of
> > Merseybeat with that that came from jazz of any style.
> > That reminds me. Do any of you UK mouldy figs remember the Merseyssippi Jazz
> > Band - or the Manchester Saints?
> > Ken

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** Dan Augustine - ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu             **
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