[Dixielandjazz] Louis Prima

[Robert Ringwald]

My first introduction to Louis Prima was around 1955, the same time as my 
introduction to Benny Goodman through the film, The Benny Goodman Story.

The first time I heard Prima was on the recording made at the Sahara in Las 
Vegas.  I couldn't believe my ears.  As with the 1938 Benny Goodman Carnegie 
Hall recording, I immediately purchased the Prima recording and proceeded to 
wear it out.

I will never forget the recording of Tiger Rag with the trombone player, 
can't remember his name, doing the triple tonguing solo.  To my young ears, 
it was spectacular.

Many years later, probably around 1984, I was walking down Bourbon Street 
and heard the same solo coming out of one of the clubs.  I stopped and went 
in and it was the same trombone player.

I tried to get him to come to Sacramento to be a guest star at the 
Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society's monthly Jazz Sunday concert, but he 
would not leave Las Vegas.

I got to see Sam Butera in person but never Prima, unfortunately.


--Bob Ringwald K6YBV
Note new e-mail address rsr at ringwald.com
530/642-9551
916/806-9551 Cell
www.ringwald.com
Fulton Street Jazz Band

Hear our new CD at:
www.fultonstreetjazz.com/music.htm

 "My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or 
a politician. And to
tell the truth, there's hardly any difference. I, for one, believe the piano
player job to be much more honorable than current politicians."  --Harry 
Truman