You've picked up - and possibly put back - that Brunswick Records' 78 at your local flea market or second hand record store. Next time, consider making that purchase! It's unlikely that Walter Gustave Haenschen ever visited Whitley Bay but, in a roundabout way, it could be said that Mr Haenschen has exerted considerable influence on the region's jazz scene.
From 1919 through to 1927 Gus Haenschen directed the studio bands at Brunswick Records. Haenschen adopted the more user-friendly name 'Carl Fenton' and his successor, Rudy Greenberg (Gennett Records), actually changed his name to Carl Fenton.
Where does Whitley Bay come into this story? Well, over many years the Whitley Bay Jazz Festival (established by Mike Durham), latterly the Classic Jazz Party, has drawn heavily on Brunswick and Gennett recording artists to provide inspiration and concert themes. And, what's more, at the 2019 edition held at the Village Hotel, the recipient of the CJP's inaugural Young Talent Award, cornetist Colin Hancock, spoke about his love affair with the Jazz Age (see photo, Colin blowing at an early hours CJP jam session). Now, at the age of twenty four, multi-instrumentalist Colin, from Buda, Texas, has been nominated for a GRAMMY!
The 63rd GRAMMY Awards' ceremony is scheduled for January 31 next year. No fewer than eighty three categories, with many nominees in each category, category 67, Best Album Notes includes Colin's liner notes for THE MISSING LINK: HOW GUS HAENSCHEN GOT US FROM SCOTT JOPLIN TO JAZZ AND SHAPED THE MUSIC BUSINESS.
So, the next time you come across a less-than-mint condition Brunswick 78, take a punt...Haenschen...the Classic Jazz Party...GRAMMY-nominated Colin Hancock.
Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment