Editor, Webmaster: Phil Cartwright Editor@earlyjas.org
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| Earlville Association for Ragtime Lovers Yearning for Jazz Advancement and Socialization |
EARLYJAS
I am delighted to introduce a new columnist to our
EARLYJAS members. Bert Thompson is an old friend
— we worked together in bands in the San Francisco
Bay area.
Like several of the very top traditional jazz musicians
in the US, Bert is from the UK, born in Dundee,
Scotland. He came to the US and played in the 101st
Airborne Division band for two years. He has
degrees from San Francisco State and the Ph. D. from
the University of Oregon. He retired as an English
professor a few years ago.
Bert has played with many of the great bands in
the San Francisco area, including 10 years with
Professor Plum. For the past 10 years or so, he has
been the drummer with Gremoli, a 6-piece New
Orleans-style band, and Ted Shafer's Jelly Roll Jazz
Band, an 8-piece Watters/Oliver-style band.
Bert will contribute occasional pieces for our Rag.
This first column is a review of one of the very good
small bands that has been playing in San Francisco.
(See page 7.) Other columns will be a bit more
controversial. Stay tuned!!
EARLYJAS members. Bert Thompson is an old friend
— we worked together in bands in the San Francisco
Bay area.
Like several of the very top traditional jazz musicians
in the US, Bert is from the UK, born in Dundee,
Scotland. He came to the US and played in the 101st
Airborne Division band for two years. He has
degrees from San Francisco State and the Ph. D. from
the University of Oregon. He retired as an English
professor a few years ago.
Bert has played with many of the great bands in
the San Francisco area, including 10 years with
Professor Plum. For the past 10 years or so, he has
been the drummer with Gremoli, a 6-piece New
Orleans-style band, and Ted Shafer's Jelly Roll Jazz
Band, an 8-piece Watters/Oliver-style band.
Bert will contribute occasional pieces for our Rag.
This first column is a review of one of the very good
small bands that has been playing in San Francisco.
(See page 7.) Other columns will be a bit more
controversial. Stay tuned!!
Hot Club de Lyon
Carol and I spent some time in the south of France recently, partly touring in the Lyon area and
cruising the Rhone. We were delighted to hear some great music - on the boat, on the streets and cafes,
and at the Hot Club of Lyon, just a block from our hotel in Lyon.
It was clear that the Belgian gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, was a significant influence on jazz
music in France. We heard several groups that played in the Django style.
Also apparent is the influence of those ex-pat American jazz artists who found a welcome home in
France during the 1930’s and 1940’s. We heard groups on the streets and in the clubs playing that style
of jazz music.
Carol and I spent some time in the south of France recently, partly touring in the Lyon area and
cruising the Rhone. We were delighted to hear some great music - on the boat, on the streets and cafes,
and at the Hot Club of Lyon, just a block from our hotel in Lyon.
It was clear that the Belgian gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, was a significant influence on jazz
music in France. We heard several groups that played in the Django style.
Also apparent is the influence of those ex-pat American jazz artists who found a welcome home in
France during the 1930’s and 1940’s. We heard groups on the streets and in the clubs playing that style
of jazz music.
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