[Dixielandjazz] Bechet Memorabilia

[Steve barbone]

>From the Associated Press, dateline Paris:

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"Jazz great Sidney Bechet's soprano saxophone sold at auction in Paris for
more that $140,000.

The Instrument, which Bechet used to compose many of his standards, inspired
the highest bid among 32 pieces up for sale at the Hotel Drouot auction
house on Wednesday. The total selling price, including fees, was $140,900,
the auction house said.

A handwritten love letter from the New Orleans jazzman to his wife,
Jacqueline, sold for $2817. Golden cuff links decorated with the initials
"SB" went for $2957,

Daniel Bechet, a drummer who lives in France, organized the auction to
finance a foundation dedicated to his father's memory in the south of
France." 

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Daniel Bechet also serves on the board of The Sidney Bechet Society in NYC.
>From historical point of view, many believe that Sidney Bechet predated
Louis Armstrong as a "jazz soloist" but that his personality prevented him
from receiving recognition as the originator.

In my conversations with Bechet in 1955 it was apparent that he did indeed
feel slighted by history and that there was an ongoing rift between him and
Louis as to who was the pre-eminent soloist/player during the 20th century.

Cheers,
Steve