[Dixielandjazz] Missing Out on Current Bands

[Nancy Giffin]

From: rahberry at comcast.net
Steve,
I've heard Jon-Erik Kellso and Duke Heitger, as well as the Independence
Hall JB, at numerous festivals out here on the West Coast.  Their music is
not unknown to a lot of us...

Hi Rae Ann,

The Sacramento Trad. Jazz Society just featured East Coast cornetist Randy
Reinhart, who is on par with Jon-Erik and Duke, but I was disappointed with
the turnout (relative to the average month).

Maybe it was because everyone had their fill of jazz the weekend before at
various festivals in CA. I hope it's not because Randy was billed as an
"all-star." I know how some people are turned off to that labeling, but --
jeez man! -- if they are an effective soloist AND entertaining as a band or
set leader, they deserve that title. These guys are full-time musicians, and
I respect their hard work and dedication. Steve makes a good point about us
needing to listen to these "younger" players. (Randy is 51.)

Paul Edgerton played clarinet/sax with Randy on Sunday, and those boys
really had that stage swingin', especially on the first set. The drummer
told me yesterday, "Man, Randy really blew his a-- off Sunday, didn't
he?!!!? He was GREAT!!!!!"  Indeed!

Love and hugs,
Nancy