[Dixielandjazz] In search of a non-tragic jazz hero
Andrew Homzy
andrew.homzy at gmail.com
Tue Dec 9 18:30:10 PST 2014
What is problematic is finding a "big name" from traditional jazz which meets the criteria.
Lesser names - and with interesting histories are:
Connie Boswell - overcoming an incredible handicap
Red Nichols
Pee Wee Russell - also a visual artist
Al Hirt - losing weight
The Dukes of Dixieland - strong family
Doc Cheatham
Benny Carter
Milt Hinton
I can think of many more -
Cheers - Andrew
> On Dec 9, 2014, at 5:28 PM, Charles Suhor <csuhor at zebra.net> wrote:
>
> Going back to your criteria below, it seems that you're looking to get
> (a) the most educational mileage (vis a vis the history of jazz)
> (b) a good story (some drama in it) that
> (c) doesn't have basic negativity or a bad role model (alcoholism),
> (d) with accessible charts for the live band to play as "illustrations."
>
> Louis was perfect for this, but a lot of great players don't fill the bill well for one or more of the criteria. As an educator, I'd be focused on (a) as a starting point. Since you've done Louis, maybe swing era figures like the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, Goodman, or Duke Ellington would meet all the standards. An interesting question--thanks for posting.
>
> Charlie
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