The 55th annual Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival got off to a rousing start on Wednesday, July 29 at Jim’s Knoxville Tap in nearby Milan, IL with a packed house enjoying a 7-piece band comprised of Davenport’s own Josh Duffee on drums, reed men Michael McQuaid from England and now New Yorker Colin Hancock (who also played cornet), Chicagoans Andy Schumm on trumpet, Dave Bock on helicon, and Paul Asaro on piano, T.J. Muller from St. Louis on banjo, and New Yorker Mike Davis on trombone (Mike is usually seen on trumpet but is no stranger to the ‘bone). Since this event has been moved from Sunday evening to Wednesday I have made it a regular part of my trip to the Bix. It’s always a fun event with a top-notch band. Unfortunately, the owner, who had not been in good health, passed away a few days later. I hope the establishment will continue; Bix was reputed to have played at this roadhouse over 100 years ago.
On Thursday morning I paid my first visit to the relocated Bix Museum, now at 112 W. 2nd St. in downtown Davenport. I got a sneak preview last year when it was in the process of moving but could only get a brief glimpse of the new space. A few additions have been made since my last visit: Don Murray’s and Frank Trumbauer’s alto saxes, Bill Rank’s trombone mutes, and Jean Goldkette’s baton are the most notable. The new space is arranged better than the old one, but due to the possible limited number of authentic items related to Bix, I would not expect any major additions. But you never know when something of value might wind up here. Bix’s piano is here, having been found, obtained and loaned by Bix authority Dr. Albert Haim. Donors of other artifacts include Randy Sandke, Chris Tyle, Liz Beiderbecke-Hart (Bix’s grand-niece), and Scott Robinson. What the museum badly needs is better outside signage, but that’s a matter of negotiation with the landlord.
