[Dixielandjazz] Mick Mulligan

[Marek Boym]

"Having read Mick Burns' liner notes to the Semple/Cuff Billett CD, I
must protest!
Burns says about the Mick Mulligan band: "an organization better known
for its alcohol intake than its musical output."
SHEER NONSENSE!
I mean, they might have been renowned for their alcohol intake, and
that fits the image created by George melly in his hilarious "Owning
Up," but there is one problem - there are the recordings, and they are
excellent!  Mick must have been a favourite of the editor/presenter of
the BBC Jazz Club, as his recordings were often featured on that
programme; that's how his band became a favourite of mine.  I would
have more of the band's records than I actually have, because I've
never like the vocalizing of George Melly (same goeas for Bob Scobey -
I hardly have any of his records, because I really cannot take Clancey
Hayes in large doses).
Well, the harm has been done, and the Mulligan band has been
badmouthed - a sad thing when it happens to one of your favourite
groups!
The CD, by the way, is excellent - and surprising!  I have always
thought of Cuff Billett and Bill Greenow as staunch traditionalist,
because of their affilliation with Barry Martyn (and later - various
"trad" bands not the least of which - the Oliver Centennial one).  It
was therefore a great surprise to hear them playing "swing"
("mainstream" in British terminology)."
This is a copy of my letter to Jazzology Records.  I believe that I
have already referred to the CD in question on the list.
While the CD is excellent, I'd like to hear (read, rather) listmates'
opinins on the Mulligan band.
Cheers,
Marek