[Dixielandjazz] Speaking about Jazz Myths . . .

[Stan Brager]

Steve;

To answer your question what Armstrong said was how he felt about those
early days in New Orleans. Remember, he grew up here and was only 16 when
Storyville was essentially closed. He knew the place better than any
outsider could. He had his cornet and a lot of personal freedom. My guess is
that he felt very much at home in this area.

Wouldn't you agree?

Stan
Stan Brager

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Barbone" <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>
To: "DJML" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 8:55 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Speaking about Jazz Myths . . .


> Seems some of the current jazz writers are now saying that "The District"
> (Storyville) was not as important to the development of Jazz as first
> thought.
>
> I am somewhat mystified by that, while readily admitting that I am not
> particularly knowledgeable about the New Orleans Jazz scene from say 1900
to
> 1917 when Storyville kicked the working girls out. What I do know is
merely
> this quote from Louis Armstrong. It was written by him in 1969, following
a
> recollection that there were 126 gig bands in N.O. at the time, booked
> almost every night and may be subject to faulty memory as well as his
young
> age (9 to 16).
>
> "If it wasn't for those good musicians and the Entertainers who appeared
> nightly in the Red Light District - Clubs, etc - the District wouldn't
have
> been anything. Music lovers from all parts of the city came to hear them
> play Genuine Jazz. Speaking of some of the Musicians during those real
> beautiful days in different places in the District way back from 1910 to
> 1917 when they closed it down. One could hear real good jazz telling it -
> like it was. Any place you should go in the District, whether it was a
Cafe
> - Cabaret or Saloon - or if you should just stop in some place for a few
> drinks and listen - you heard the best in Jazz."
>
> My question is:  Was Louis wrong, or exagerating?
>
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone
>
>
>
>