[Dixielandjazz] Sitting In

[Steve Barbone]

L Patrick Briody lpbriody at yahoo.com wrote
 

>Jim and Steve, 
  
>I think this thread started off with a discussion about mentoring younger
>players.  Then it got into sitting in.  All this has been in the context of
>younger players.
>  As one of the many "hobby" trad jazz players on this list, there is also the
>aspect of the more advanced (in years, but not virtuosity) player who makes a
>buck here and there, but really plays just for the enjoyment of it all.  Like
>myself.  Regarding sitting in, I have had contact with both of you in the past
>- Steve regarding sitting in at Sydneys in Rehoboth and Jim with the Canal
>Street squad in Madrid.  Neither of these worked out, but both of you were more
>than gracious about the whole idea.  So, to me you're both good guys albeit
>with somewhat different ways of expression.  I love to sit in with the pros
>like you, but am quite reluctant to cart my bone into a venue and hope for the
>best.
 
>Speaking of the best, Steve mentioned Doug Finke, the fine trombonist with the
>Independence Hall outfit.  I met Doug at the Sacramento Fest some years ago and
>later on a JazzSea cruise.  Doug was the epitome of a solid mentor, holding
>sessions for all the bone men there and also providing one-on-one guidance to
>me.  Did he see potential?  At my age of 70?  I don't think so.  He was just a
>good guy.  Playing beside him was a thrill - kind of like a kid would get.

Hello Pat:

If you are ever in my neck of the woods, the offer is still good. Bring your
axe and sit in with us.

You mentioned Doug. When he started to get serious about the music again 15
or so, years ago, he sat-in wherever he could. He was then living in NJ.
Some of the bands here were gracious to him and some were not. Be that as it
may, he persevered and then formed his own band in order to get playing time
and develop his own concept of what style of music he wanted to play. The
rest is history.

Glenn Dodson was one of a few who were very helpful via lessons and
otherwise, to Doug as he redeveloped his concepts and expertise on the horn,
Glenn always refusing Doug's many offers of payment. They became good
personal friends. Doug was one of the jazz trombonists who came from afar,
at his own expense, to be there at the Curtis Concert which celebrated
Glenn's life.  

Cheers,
Steve Barbone