Report on Tribute to Bix, March 8-11, 2001
The tribute for 2001 followed along the lines of previous tributes.
On Thursday, there was a bus tour. Unfortunately, I did not arrive until Friday and therefore I do not know what sites were visited. On Friday and Saturday, there were record, book, and sheet music sales. I picked up an LP that I have been looking for for quite a long time: “Happy Birthday Bix, The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society in Washington.” I will play a side or two from this album in the next WBIX program. There were two seminars, one on Friday by Chuck Sengstock on Chicago South Side theaters and clubs, and one on Saturday by John Schleffendorf on the history of LPs.
On Friday night we had the Parisian Redheads for about 45 minutes, and that was followed by early jazz films (a lot of the great Fats Waller.) On Saturday afternoon Phil ran the $500 Mystery Record Contest in his usual chaotic manner (I was very lucky: I won a $25 and a $50 prize; I was not quite as lucky as Fran Fitzwilly the 91-year old lady who knew Bix; she won a $50 and the $100 prize!) The gala event was on Saturday night. The Parisian Redheads started by playing for about 45 minutes and they were followed by Vince Giordano’s Nighthawk Orchestra who played three 45-minute segments. On Sunday afternoon Leah LaBrea & Her Flexo Boys took turns entertaining the audience and we celebrated Bix’s birthday by eating three cakes. I will post photos of the cakes in a few days. In general, all events in the tribute reached a very high caliber. The seminar speakers were highly knowledgeable and their presentations were quite instructive.
The Parisian Redheads (five French young women led by Kiki Desplat, the cornet player who was in Kenosha for the 2000 tribute with Paul and His Gang) and Leah and her Boys are quite competent and play songs with gusto and a good feeling for the spirit of the 20s. The highlight of the weekend was the performance by Giordano’s Nighthawks. Everyone was extremely impressed by the quality of the orchestra and by the show they presented. The only way I can convey my admiration for what Vince is doing is to state that I view Vince Giordano’s Nighthawk Orchestra as the Jean Goldkette of the 21st Century.
Each individual musician (three reeds, violin/bass sax, trombone, trumpet, cornet, banjo/guitar, piano, tuba/string bass/bass sax) is a first-class artist and the ensemble works like a fine quality antique clock in perfect running condition. The arrangements and musicianship are authentic 1920s. Depending on what they choose to play, the group can be hot or sweet, but it is always dynamic, exciting, and highly entertaining. Vince has an attractive and engaging personality and exchanges clever and amusing remarks with his fellow musicians who respond in kind.
Although the whole performance is presented in a relaxed and spontaneous manner, it is clear that a lot of work and rehearsing is needed to come up with a quality performance such as the one we witnessed. Moreover, it is also apparent that Vince is highly knowledgeable in the styles, intricacies, and subtleties of 1920s jazz and hot dance music. All in all, the best orchestra that I have ever seen in my years of attending the Bix festivals in Davenport and in Libertyville/Kenosha. I thank Vince for his extraordinary and successful effort in bringing back the authentic sound of the 1920s. Finally, all Bixophiles owe a great debt of gratitude to Phil for a great tribute to Bix and for his devotion in the last twelve years to promote the cause of Bixology.
I am grateful to Norman Gore for his kind gift of photographs of the cakes. The writing on the cakes, clockwise, follows. 1. Show Boat. Special Record. Why Do I Love You? Lou Raderman and His Pelham Heath Inn Orchestra. 1086-P. 2. Test. Loved One. E32948-B. 3. Hot Jaz Club America. 801 A. In A Mist. Rhythm King. Bix Beiderbecke & His Gang. (801 A) 4. Harmony. Why Do I Love You? Lou Raderman and His Pelham Heath Inn Orchestra. 607-H