[Dixielandjazz] Clarinet Licks and Allan Vache

[Harold Smith]

Nancy. thanks so much for the very nice message.

Of course, you are 100% on target about Alan's  great playing, and his
jaw-dropping and lightning like mind in creating solo lines that are not
only virtuosic, but swing.

The best part of your message, however, is your describing the effect on
your nephew caused by hearng Alan's perfomances.  What a wonderful
legacy for an artist to leave--that of influencing and inspiring others.
The world would be a far better place if we had someone to goad our
minds and abilities into emulating them.

I first heard John Cocuzzi about 15-20 years ago at a Jazz Festival in
Decatur, Illinois, when he was about 17 years old, and he knocked
everyone out  with his all-out swinging vibes.  You know then that this
kid had it, and could only get better.  He did.

Did you ever think what an awful place this world would be if we lost
good, swingng, heart-lifting jazz?  Gads, it's bad enough even with
it!!!