Last year I bought an LP by the Bruce Turner Quartet from a stall in South Shields market, listened to it a few times then put it on the shelf and, as you sometimes do, forgot all about it.. However, the recent postings, comments and the discovery of the Warne Marsh site prompted me to seek it out once more. The reason being that Dave Cliff plays guitar in the quartet and Turner's playing displays a slight Tristano/Konitz influence.
The disc, called appropriately enough "The Dirty Bopper", had the added bonus of being signed by Bruce Turner."
So what? you might ask. Well I'll tell you what, and this is where my curiosity begins ...
Bruce has signed it "Best wishes Hilma".
How many women do you know called Hilma?
My guess is none.
I Googled the name and there weren't many there either but there was one that stood out - Hilma Carter, widow of the late, great, Benny Carter. (Video link)
Bruce Turner, Benny Carter - both alto players of a not dissimilar style.
Coincidence?
Probably; one English, one American and both now dead. If Mrs Carter had been called Mary or Belle or something I wouldn't have given it a second thought but Hilma?
If it did happen to be Hilma Carter how did it end up on a market stall in South Shields?
Nah - it has to be coincidence ... unless someone can tell me otherwise ...
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