[Dixielandjazz] BMI

[Tom Belmessieri]

One more time...!

I received this from a non-DJML member but it asks an interesting question.  
Have any of you had a similar experience with BMI (or even ASCAP for that 
matter)?

Tom B.

-------------------------------------------------------
>From: "Phil" <oldphox at hotmail.com>
>To: <oldphox at hotmail.com>
>Subject: BMI
>Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:11:10 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
>
>I am curious how many of you have experienced the strong arm tactics of 
>BMI.
>I just became aware of them recently.
>They threatened the Pasta Pelican in Alameda with a lawsuit because Gene
>Maurice's band (And That's Jazz)played old copy writed tunes from Jelly 
>Roll
>Morton, Armstrong, all long dead. They always threaten the establishments
>rather than the band leaders.
>John Soulises Mission Gold Band has now experienced the same thing.
>I am curious if those of you that are playing regular gigs in eating
>establishments or bars have had the same bullying experiences. They don't
>get any money because all of you know there is little money to get. They
>just succeed in preventing one more band from playing publicly. I'd bet
>dollars to donuts that the relatives of these old jazz musicians get next 
>to
>nothing and those bastards get it all.
>I'd be interested in any comments that any of you have about this.
>My best regards to all of you who help keep this great music alive (in 
>spite
>of the SOBs at BMI),
>
>Phil Eggers

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