[Dixielandjazz] Minton's Playhouse Reopened in NYC.

[Steve Barbone]

Not OKOM, but interesting in the context of the resurgence of jazz in the
NYC area. Minton's Playhouse has reopened in Harlem. Minton's was the place
to jam in NYC after hours in the late 1930's, 1940's, 1950's. Artie Shaw
went there a few times as did other OKOM musicians to hear the new sounds.

It was fiercely competitive, with a knowledgeable audience listening to some
of the most innovative musicians of the times.

Miles Davis said about playing at Minton's:

"If you got up on stage and couldn't cut it, not only would you be booed off
the stage, but you might also get your ass kicked."

Minton's Playhouse, a legendary bar and after hours club, was established by
tenor saxophonist Henry Minton on West 118th Street in New York City's
Harlem in 1938. Band leader Teddy Hill took over club management in 1940.

Many jazz musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Thelonious
Monk, Kenny Clarke, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, Mary Lou Williams and Max Roach
associated in after-hours jam sessions at Minton's, and these sessions were
an integral part in the development of bebop, and/or modern jazz.

The house was shut down in the early 70¹s. It was re-opened this summer and
seems to have recaptured some of its allure.

Minton's - 208 West 118th Street, NYC - (212) 864-8346;

Cheers,
Steve Barbone