[Dixielandjazz] SO THAT'S WHAT ALL THE FUSS WAS ABOUT

[Daniel Barrett]

Hi, Ken--
 
It's nice to hear from you! Of course, I knew you felt the same way about Rebecca. I still remember the great evening we had with you a couple of years ago at the Edinburgh Festival, with Duke Heitger, Topsy Chapman, John Sheridan, and..was it Roy Percy on bass...? In fact, I think a tune or two from that evening might be found on YouTube (?) 
 
Forgive my inaccuracies about the personnel that night; too many gigs under the bridge since then; but I do recall the great time I had playing with you!  I hope we can meet up on a bandstand again sometime.
 
As an arranger yourself, you would appreciate the ease with which La Kilgore communicates her musical wishes. It does make it easier, that's for sure.
 
Best,
 
Dan Barrett
Residing in Costa Mesa, CA, but only a phone call away.
 


From: ken at kenmath.free-online.co.uk
To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com; danpbarrett at hotmail.com
Subject: SO THAT'S WHAT ALL THE FUSS WAS ABOUT
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 00:10:27 +0100





Hi Dan,
 
I wholly agree with your summary of Becky's numerous talents and attributes, but you forgot to say she's also one of the most likeable and genuine people in the business, without a trace of ego, and, perhaps because of this, but certainly because of her ability and class, is one of the easiest people to work with. I'm sure she knows within herself that what she does is a bit special, but, like Benny Carter, doesn't have any desire to shout about it and instead perfers to let her performances speak for themselves.
 
She's also a dream for arrangers to work with, in that she can explain her requirements in language the arranger will readily understand, but she can also spell the chords she wants for turnarounds, modulations, endings etc, so the whole process is simpler and takes less time to complete.
 
In short, a very talented and gracious lady on stage and off.
Cheers,
 
Ken Mathieson
www.classicjazzorchestra.org