Nothing to do with jazz - no it's Chess. Not the record label but the game. A program on the enigmatic and ultimately tragic Chess Champion Bobby Fischer.
Why have I chosen to draw this program to your attention? Well, apart from sharing a birthday with the errant champion (March 9 - me, Mickey Spillane and Ornette Coleman) I'm also an occasional chess player myself as are many jazz people. Only yesterday I noted Tony Kofi commenting on Facebook about a chess game he was playing. Ronnie Scott and Dizzy were others who were known to have a liking for the game. Did I say game? Chess is war as this program will undoubtedly show.
In 1972, the Newcastle Big Band were heading for San Sebastian and the progress of the Fischer-Spassky World Championship was frequently the topic of conversation. Charlie Carmichael, Bill Shaw and I were also prone to a 64 square skirmish from time to time.
Chess and jazz have one thing in common - you can't hide. The pieces are in front of you - it's up to you what you do with them. Whether it's your move or your solo you either put up or shut up!
Lance.


0 comments; click to add more:
Post a Comment