[Dixielandjazz] American Musicians Banned In UK?

[Bill Haesler]

Marek Boym wrote:........the recording with Bechet WAS legal.
> What was illegal was Bechet's playing with the band at a concert.
> Bechet was in the hall, and Humph had the limelights directed on him.
> Then came the public demand "Play for us, Sidney," and Bechet obliged.
>  It might have been prearranged.

Dear Marek,
It was, and resulted in a court case with £100 fine for the promoter.
John Chilton in his 1987 book 'Sidney Bechet. Wizard of Jazz' devotes 
the whole of Chapter 21 ('Beating The Ban') to Bechet's London visit in 
Nov 1949.
Jim Godbolt's 1984 book 'A History of Jazz In Britain, 1919-1950' also 
provides some 'words & Music' (Chapter 14 - 'Jazz Comes To Britain by 
Stealth').
Also worth reading is Humph's own account of it all in his 1954 
autobiograpy 'I Play As I Please" [pages 174-78].
The Melodisc sides from the 13 Nov 1949 record session have been 
reissued on LP and CD.
I'm playing the Savoy CD at the moment. (The 6 sides are also on French 
Classics 1223.)
I have never thought of them as being memorable, so haven't listened to 
them in a long time.
Surprisingly, notwithstanding a chunky rhythm section, they stand up 
much better that I had recalled.
Kind regards,
Bill.