[Dixielandjazz] Emmet Ray

[Bill Haesler]

Eric Holroyd wrote [in part]:
> Now I’m thoroughly confused...attempting to research this character, Emmet Ray.
> Several postings on other forums (forii) say that he never existed...others protest that he did, and was well portrayed in the Sweet And Lowdon film.
And posted the Internet Movie Database has the following biography at:
   http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016851/bio
then asked
> So who do I believe?
> Can any of the eminent discographers on this list shed any light on the subject?

Dear Eric,
I have hung back on this one waiting for our US DJMLers closer to 'home' to provide an answer.
Particularly as Steve Barbone posted an interesting email on 15 January 2012 regarding the involvement of Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli in the Woody Allen film "Sweet and Lowdown".
We saw the film on the big screen when is was released and loved it.
I also have a DVD copy and have watched it several times - and still love it.
The Sean Penn performance of a talented, but unlikeable jazzman is magnificent.
Notwithstanding the iMDB entry claim that "Though little is known about the life of Emmet Ray (few photographs and recordings exist today), the Woody Allen film attempted quite enthusiastically to capture the spirit of Emmet Ray -- and that of the crazy world of jazz -- on celluloid forever" Emmet Ray is not shown in any of my extensive collection of jazz discographies.
Nor are there any photographs, articles, historical references or any other evidence, that I have, to support his existence.
Here is what may be a more reliable reference:
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_and_Lowdown
and this is interesting
   http://chronicd.com/2005/12/19/emmet-ray-is-not-real/
I suggest that the iMDB biography, written by Dirk Dickens, Encyclopedia of Obscure Jazz Artists (Mirage Press), was very much tongue in cheek.
Not much to be found regarding Dirk Dickens or Mirage Press either.
Very kind regards,
Bill.