Listening to the Jazz at Massey Hall concert for, possibly only the billionth time, and refreshing my memories by delving into Geoffrey Haydon's book, The Quintet of the Year, for, maybe, only the millionth time, a few thoughts crossed my mind.
That this concert lived up to its billing - Yes!
That the Marciano v Walcott fight lived up to its billing - No!
That Bird and Diz were at their finest - Yes!
These were the positive ones. The more frivolous ones were that, because of the contractual agreements he had with good ol' Norman Granz, Bird was listed as Charlie Chan.
Which got me to thinking of other pseudonyms in jazz.
Art Salt (Art Pepper)
Cue Porter (Johnny Hodges).
Can you think of any more?
Closer to home, the late Brian Fisher would refer to Charlie Comical (Charlie Carmichael) and Ronnie McClown (Ronnie McLean).
Lance
PS: I note that Dizzy was still playing a conventional (Martin?) trumpet at Massey Hall.
2 comments :
Legend has it Dizzy was just as much interested in the outcome of the fight as he was in the concert!
Two off the top of my head:
Lindsay Hang 'em (Lindsay Hannon) and Anita Oh Dear (Anita O'Day)
Their reactions to jazz singers without talent
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