Readers Correspondence April 2026

– Kind Words from the Board –

Dear Andy and Syncopated Times (one and the same),

My hearty congratulations on ten unqualified successful years!

Your statement, “I haven’t the faintest idea of what I’m doing” is in the same category as Lester Young’s improvisations, not based on jazz theory but on feel and intuition. You could have chosen an easier task, perhaps balancing the nations budget, but you didn’t. We benefit from your passionate commitment.

Monk Rowe

Director/Fillius Jazz Archive

Board Member/The Syncopated Times
– Kind Words from a New Subscriber –

To the Editor:

I am a new subscriber to your wonderful publication.

I was a longtime subscriber to The Mississippi Rag (1985-2009) until the untimely death of Leslie Johnson (what a lovely gal). I met both Leslie and Butch Thompson back in 1985 when I was on the board of directors of The Milwaukee Jazz Experience. I spent many hours of jovial conversation with both Leslie and Butch listening to their wonderful lifetime experiences.

I would like to thank you for your publication. It fills a void that was left when The Mississippi Rag ceased publication. I’ve always enjoyed reading Scott Yanow’s reviews & columns. It appears you also have a good group of other columnists. Bravo.

Paul Fredricksen
Brookfield, WI

– “Syncopated Times, a great read!” –

To the Editor:

Hi, I don’t remember how I discovered (relatively recently) the ST, but I’m sure glad I did! As a fan and player of “vintage” jazz (increasingly so in recent years), I’ve learned much about the music and the players from your coverage and articles. For example, I read about, and then corresponded with, John Gill, who was very helpful in my search for a six-string banjo, as well as sharing his own amazing musical background.

The current issue, February ’26, has a nice interview with the late Joe Muranyi, who I learned of only when he passed (from a replayed interview on Fresh Air): that interview included a great cut from Joe’s album with Lew Green, which I immediately bought. I really enjoyed, in the interview ST just published, Joe’s thoughts about music and jazz.

Anyway, I just wanted to convey my appreciation for what you do and the enjoyment the magazine brings each month.

Dave Richard
Corinth, VT

– Still Reading! –

To the Editor:

My dad, Gerald McJenkin, at 101 years old still enjoys your publication. Please renew his subscription for another year!

Lisa McJenkin
Long Beach, CA

Thank you for your renewal! I don’t know if Syncopation is the Fountain of Youth, but I am astonished by how many nonagenarians and centenarians I have in my readership—and among my editorial contributors. AARP Magazine is for the rest of us punks at the children’s table!

And, as always, I am deeply grateful for everyone’s kind thoughts and moral support! – Ed.