[Dixielandjazz] "Come In And Hear The Truth"

[Stephen G Barbone]

Just finished reading this book the 2nd time, not managing to absorb  
all of the nuances at first reading. I really like the book. It is  
about the development of 52nd Street in NYC as a mecca for jazz from  
about 1930 to 1960, with emphasis on  the 30s and 40s. Also discusses  
the racial implications, its subtitle being "Jazz and Race on 52nd  
Street."

Regarding the title, there was some question in earlier posts about  
why a book about 52nd street would use a quote from Wingy Manone, who  
was thought to be a West Coast musician and not much of an influence  
on 52nd Street. The title, "Come In and Hear The Truth" was attributed  
to Manone posting a sign at a club in California after hearing some  
modern jazz at a nearby club there.

Page 1 of the introduction, has the following quote which gives a  
different take:
"On a later occasion, the bop trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was having a  
vogue on the Street. In front of his club were posters advising "Come  
In And Hear Dizzy."
(Trumpeter Wingy) Manone attended and listened. He went back to Ryan's  
and posted his own sidewalk sign. It read: "Come In And Hear The Truth."

Manone is portrayed in the book, as being one of the primary founders  
(along with Louis Prima) of the New Orleans Jazz revival scene in NYC  
circa 1935. He worked on the Street for many years at various clubs  
including the venerable Hickory House and The Famous Door.

IMO, it is a wonderful book. Those fans/musos who visited or played on  
52nd Street between 1935 and 1960 will love it. Even though it  
includes all genres of jazz that were prevalent on 52nd Street during  
those halcyon days

"Come In And Hear The Truth"  -  Jazz and Race on 52nd Street
By Patrick Burke
The University of Chicago Press - Chicago and London
Published 2008

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband