[Dixielandjazz] R.I.P. Kenny Powell

[Jack Mitchell]

> Kenny Powell, 1925-2011; Jazzman Played with the Greats
> by John Shand
> Sydney Morning Herald, July 14, 2011

Kenny Powell was indeed a great piano player - a pity that John Shand (the 
Sydney Morning Herald's only jazz writer these days) couldn't name any of 
the jazz greats with whom Powell played during his years in Sydney - such as 
Bob Barnard, Ron Falson, Tom Baker and Paul Furniss, to name just a few.

Although Shand usually ignores any jazz played before Gillespie and Parker 
in the forties, his "cultural cringe" attitude is reminiscent of the 
thirties, when writings were rife with references linking jazz with 
classical muicians or other "celebrities" in an unnecessary attempt to 
dignify jazz and make it acceptable to the "establishment".

We need writers that believe that jazz can stand on its own feet, without 
the support of "celebrities" whose connection to jazz is marginal, if at 
all.

Best wishes
Jack Mitchell