[Dixielandjazz] Re: Max Collie in Indianapolis

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Eli,
The clt/ss player with Max Collie's band would have been Jack Gilbert.
"Ostrich Walk" (without the slow intro) was recorded by Max's Rhythm Aces in
London on 29 March 1976 and issued on a Black Lion 2LP set, which I have.
This was after the controversial "world championship", but it is probably
similar to what you heard there. 
The Collie band may have recorded it on other occasions, but I do not have
Gerard Bielderman's 'Collie' discography to check.
I grew up in jazz in Melbourne, Australia with Max and still see him
occasionally when he comes 'home' for personal reasons.
A dear family friend of ours. 
Years ago, when I asked him about the furore over the 1975 Indianapolis event,
he said that he would rather not talk about it. And didn't. So I am
none-the-wiser and have never seen a rational, detailed account of it all.
Like many things of this kind, there are probably two equally valid sides to it.
It certainly seems that 'New Orleans' expert, Sam Johnson, had a big part in it
all.
The Max I know was always a go-getter, but never dishonest or a cheat.  
Very kind regards,
Bill.