[Dixielandjazz] Blame It On The Blues – A Celebration of Sidney Bechet

[John Petters]

Unashamed Plug.
Blame It On The Blues – A Celebration of Sidney Bechet
Thursday 27th November @ 8PM
St John’s Arts Centre, St John’s Walk, Market St, Old Harlow CM17 0AJ UK

Sidney Bechet was not only a virtuoso clarinettist, but the first 
musician to realise the potential of the saxophone as jazz instrument. 
He pioneered the use of the straight soprano sax, recording the classic 
‘Wild Cat Blues’ with Clarence Wiliams Blue Five in 1923
Listen to this recording
http://www.traditional-jazz.com/assets/clips/Wild%20Cat%20Blues.mp3

His early records with the young Louis Armstrong were filled with 
creative heat. He came to England in 1918, played for King George V and 
was later deported.

In 1932, His New Orleans Feetwarmers with Tommy Ladnier, recorded half a 
dozen sides which are among the hottest jazz records ever made. Listen 
to ‘I Found A New Baby’
http://www.traditional-jazz.com/assets/clips/I%27ve%20Found%20A%20New%20Baby.mp3

He formed a musical association with clarinettist Mezz Mezzrow and 
appeared on some of Jelly Roll Morton’s final recordings.

Pianist Art Hodes used Bechet on a series of important sessions for Blue 
Note Records, many featuring Wild Bill Davison.
Listen to 'Shine'
http://www.traditional-jazz.com/assets/clips/Shine.mp3

He moved to France in the late ‘40s, played illegally again in England 
in 1949 and recorded with Humph’s band.

Bechet died in 1959.

For many European musicians, the Bechet legacy was a foundation stone 
for their style. Two such performers are Trevor Whiting, born the year 
Bechet died, and John Wurr.

During 1997 we toured a show called, ‘Blame It On The Blues – the Sidney 
Bechet Centenary Show’.  We made a CD –  which sold out quickly.  (CDR 
copies are available from Teresa Petters @ £11 each).
Download a free sample track from the CD – ‘Blame It OnThe Blues'
http://www.traditional-jazz.com/assets/clips/Blame%20It%20On%20The%20Blues.mp3

Here is an opportunity to hear the music of Bechet as interpreted by 
Trevor, John, Martin Litton, piano, Keith Donald and myself.

Tickets are just £10 on the door.

Please help keep jazz live and swinging.
-- 
John Petters
www.traditional-jazz.com
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ