The 1930s Jeff Barnhart: Hal, last month we explored the tune “Copenhagen” from the first recording by Bix in 1924 to versions essayed through 1929.
We all struggle with the conundrum regarding Art and Life: which imitates which? Sometimes it seems as if we are watching rather than scriptwriting our
Jeff Barnhart: Hal, we’ve wanted to return to an in-depth exploration of a single tune, and this one is the Mt. Everest of the classic
[N.B. This month’s column is a continuation of my recalling halcyon days I enjoyed performing at the Yankee Silversmith Inn in Wallingford, CT, and being
Legends come and legends go. While they walk amongst us, when we have an opportunity to show our gratitude we should strongly consider doing so.
Jeff Barnhart: Hal, last month I mentioned we’d continue with an exploration of the seminal early jazz classic, “Copenhagen.” Let’s postpone that for a month
In April, I described from whence came my fascination with silent film comedy and introduced to my column Jan Fitzgerald, a woman who would continue
Jeff Barnhart: This month, we conclude our exploration of the Firehouse Five Story, with plans to revisit the band and examine their many themed albums
During the 22-month “virus vacation” when Anne and I spent more nights in our own bed than we had in the previous 10 years of
JB: For this installment, we turn to the wild and wonderful world of the Firehouse Five Plus Two. I am happy to welcome Hal Smith
In 2001, after completing the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee, Anne and I rented a Toyota sedan with clarinetist Bob Draga to drive to Helena, Montana,
Jeff Barnhart: My erstwhile collaborator, Hal Smith, needs a while to erst on other projects this time around and requested I invite a guest. I’ve
Recently I was asked from where stems my fascination with silent film comedy. I was five years old when my Grandma took me to the
Jeff Barnhart: Hal, we’re taking a month break from our exploration of Moten to concentrate on the music of the band we compared to early
It’s funny how as we get older, people who meant a great deal to us in our distant youth—but whom we’ve not thought of or
JB: When one thinks of large hot jazz outfits predating the swing era that would bring—to name a few—Goodman, the Dorseys and Miller to prominence,
When I was a young sprat in the 1970’s my family belonged to the High Lane Club in North Haven, CT. It’s not as posh
Jeff Barnhart: Hal, after our brief, but wonderful, foray into the musical world of little-known trumpet man Benny Strickler, let’s talk about the Post-War version
(Earnest Announcer): When we last left our store-rey, our intrepid trio, having completed their gig on Long Island Sound, was hurtling across the water’s surface
Hal Smith: One of the greatest musicians of the New Orleans Revival was a trumpet man from Arkansas named Benny Strickler. During his too-brief career
“Jeff, I’ve got a gig for you this Labor Day,” whined my friend Stu Ingersoll in his ponderous yet always welcome voice. “Terrific, Stu!” In
JB: Hal, when someone studies the traditional jazz “revival” of the 1940s-1950s (if anyone actually does anymore!!!), two names emerge as towering figures. While there
In elementary school, when it came time to choose a band instrument, I went for the trumpet. I’d heard some hot cornet playing from Fred
Jeff Barnhart: This column is a special one for me! Several years ago, Hal introduced me to the music of Frank Melrose (it’s truly a
