Beginnings

JHC

Chief assistant to the assistant chief
I used to go to quite a few dances in Leicester.
 

ericwood992

New member
[h=2]My introduction to jazz.[/h]
Picture the scene - 1960 at about 10.30pm, almost dark, cigarette smoke filled basement of the Black Lion pub in Manchester (England), one single low-power light bulb hanging by a thread of wire from the ceiling, hard rough wood chairs grouped around a small stage raised about four inches above the floorboards, and the Johnny Dankworth Seven in all their glory playing "Moanin" (Bobby Timmons).

Until this, I had been a strictly "Classics only" listener (for many years!!).

I WAS CONVERTED!!! From that moment on, I have never been able to decide which I prefer, the jazz cellar or the concert hall.
 

OLDUDE

New member
Hi E992,
It was a pleasant surprise to find this oldish thread suddenly revived.
How about some more of you more recent members joining in with your early jazz recollections?
 

jazznut

New member
As a young man I took drum lessons from one of my states best Jazz drummers in the early to late 60's, (but all I wanted to do was play Rock & Roll to meet girls.)
Time and maturity began to play a large part in my musical appreciation, just as my teacher said it would. (The Rock thing kind of wore itself out)

One day, many many moons ago, I purchased a Cannonball Adderley record in the sale bin for $3.99 went home and took a quick listen, I thought wow! this is different, and challenging, and beautiful, and cool, and real, and honest...the music took hold of me. I began reading all of the jazz history I could, I investigated how jazz began, to where it is today, and I read the biography's of my favorite artists. I began attending jazz concerts. My recording collection began to grow and grow. Now, I listen to all types of jazz, but naturally purchase what I like best. Along the way, I relearned my instrument, so I could play the music I enjoyed, I played and gigged for about 10 years (its can be fun, but it also can be trying)

Now...I simply love to "loose myself" in a good CD when ever I can, nothing on the TV, and the head phones go on, when I watch sports my head phones are on, I wake in the morning put my phones on and visit my drum kit. My wife says, "You're a jazznut" If I had unlimited funds, I would be a fixture at "Smalls Jazz Club" in New York City on the weekends.
 

JHC

Chief assistant to the assistant chief
jazznut it is good to come across another player that also goes to jazz clubs which are IMO the only place that you will hear true none commercial jazz, unfortunately there are not any in my neck of the woods. I had a peep at the club web page and will have a better look round later

http://smallsjazzclub.com/indexnew.cfm
 
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