[Dixielandjazz] : Happy Birthday Bob Haggart-- Hal Smith writes

[Norman Vickers]

To: DJML & Musicians and Jazzfans lists

From: Norman Vickers, Jazz Society of Pensacola

 

Drummer Hal Smith writes of his fond memories of bassist Bob Haggart--

 

From: Hal Smith [mailto:hws08 at live.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:49 PM



 

It was always a treat to play in a rhythm session with Bob Haggart!

 

The first time we played together was at the Conneaut Lake Jazz Festival in
1985, and "Big Noise From Winnetka" was called by bandleader Ed Polcer.
When Haggart and I were exchanging fours, he realized that I played an older
style than some, and he started calling out "Baby Dodds!"  "Zutty
Singleton!" and I would oblige with my best interpretation of each.  What a
blast!

 

Some years later, he was in the rhythm section of a very hot combination at
the Conneaut Lake fest, led by Tom Baker on cornet.  Tom called "Bugle Call
Rag," and all the breaks were HOT.  Tom did Muggsy, Bob Havens played hot
Harlem lip trills, Bobby Gordon channelled Pee Wee, John Sheridan hit a Joe
Sullivan tone cluster...then "Hag" stood up, turned off his hearing aids,
unplugged his amp, and played a break that would have made Pops Foster turn
his head!  He played that way for the rest of the song, and it lifted us
onto another level!

 

Later, we did a recording session with Joyce Breach, made just after the
1997 Atlanta Jazz Party.  Joyce wanted to record "Just One of Those Things"
at the speed of light.  Bob nailed it in one take--in 4/4!  

 

He was a fantastic musician and arranger and a wonderful person.  I miss
him!

Hal Smith

  _____  

 
--End--