[Dixielandjazz] Woody Allen

[Don Robertson]

With the lengthy thread about Woody, I have dug out and listened to The 
Bunk Project.  I find Woody's clarinet OK and what I would expect a 
clarinetist in that style to sound like.  He did Burgundy Street Blues 
and sounded just fine (IMO). None of the squeeks and squawks described 
by the current reviewers.  I'm not a serious musician I just know what I 
like and don't like.  I'm curious if Woody's playing has deteriorated, 
with all these appearances he should have lots of practice.   Does 
anyone know when The Bunk Project was recorded?  Just how old IS Woody?  
I remember seeing Wild Man Blues and being put off by all the chit chat 
about Woody and not enough music.  I see from the LA Times review that 
he still has Eddy Davis, banjo and Simon Wettenhall, trumpet from the 
Bunk Project.

It so happens that Woody and the band are appearing right here at the 
Napa Opera House this coming Saturday night Dec 23.  I will be out of 
town, and could not justify spending $150 to see them if I were here.  
$50 or even $60 but not $150.  Now I see from the LA Times review that 
he is appearing tonight (Monday) in Costa Mesa (where I used to live) 
for $35 -$65.  Was this in error? Maybe a Monday night date is cheaper? 
  I'll be interested to see if there is any review on the Napa gig.  
None of the jazz  friends I have here were planning to blow $150.  I 
once paid $29 to see Frank Sinatra and thought it was a lot at the 
time.  On the other hand I wouldn't walk across the street to see Barbra 
Streisand (sp?).  So much for star power :)

Don Robertson
Napa, CA