By Donald True Van Deusen
Philadelphia is a city that is overflowing with American historical
buildings, much of which it is busy tearing down to replace with parking
lots. The latest link in this systematic destruction of its past comes with
the recent decision to destroy the last art deco movie palace left in the
city-- the Sameric at 19th and Chestnut streets.
Unlike the city fathers who abandon their culture, we try to focus
occasionally on people who keep its distinctive place in the arts alive.
Accordingly, let me tell you about a man you may not know-- Dr. Bruce H.
Klauber. He will be celebrating his 50th birthday at a party on Saturday,
May 4, but his birthday is May 3rd.
Born and reared in this city, he has devoted his life to preserving one
of its most significant (if often ignored) cultural contributions--the world
of jazz. He is a drummer, vibes player, singer, band leader, author, editor,
writer, producer of jazz videos, CDs, tapes and records. His writing has
appeared in Jazziz, Jazz Times, Modern Drummer and Downbeat among others.
He was graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in
Communications and Theater and awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Music
Degree from Combs College of Music. He has led his own groups--trio,
quartets and full bands in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Los Angeles and Las
Vegas.
Just a few of his published contributions would include his definitive
jazz biography--The World of Gene Krupa that includes an introduction by Mel
Torme, a singer-songwriter who most fans forget was was also a fairly good
drummer. Klauber's video production is something of a minor MGM mirror of
the world of jazz film providing rare and never-before released footage of
Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Charlie Ventura, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton,
Louie Bellson, Roy Eldridge, Anita O'Day, Tommy Dorsey and vintage films
such as Hollywood Hotel. There was a little number in this 1937 film
starring Dick Powell (a song and dance man in those days) by the Benny
Goodman Orchestra that would sweep the swing world called Sing, Sing, Sing.
If you wonder whether Krupa or Rich was the better drummer, it is easier
to decide with some of the selections showing the two of them in the Legends
of Jazz volumes produced by Bruce. In effect, what he has produced is a
treasure chest of American jazz history that otherwise might have and in all
probability would have disappeared without Klauber's tireless devotion.
Bruce was associated early on with an undisputed Philly jazz
legend--Philadelphia's own Charlie Ventura, one of the tenor sax titans of
jazz history who was also born and reared in this town. As a 16-year-old
drummer, Bruce sat in with Ventura and played with his band at the Saxony
East jazz club at the site of what is now Portofino's Restaurant on Walnut
Street. Bruce dedicated his book on Krupa, in part, to Ventura and every
Father's Day, Bruce would call him, just to say hello. He notes that Ventura
once told him, "Nothing is more important than just playing the song." Bruce
has reflected that in his work, playing the songs of the greats such as
Ventura, Goodman, Rich and Gene Krupa.
Among the many major jazz figures with whom Bruce has worked through the
years as a writer and/or musician are Ventura, Milt Buckner, Torme, Steve
Allen and Norman Granz. The one person with whom he has shared what he
considers the proverbial best years of his life is the golden girl of
Philadelphia singers, Joy Adams. She is one of the rare singers still
working who tell you the story when she sings. She even sings the verse, the
poetry of the songbook now ignored by most singers. When she sings, "answer
me hon, what have I done, have I ever said an unkind word to you" there is
not a dry eye left in the house--a dry martini, maybe, but not a dry eye.
Ms Adams voice will be among those paying heartfelt tribute to Bruce at
his birthday party this Saturday. The Bruce Klauber/Joy Adams Orchestra
under the direction of veteran pianoman Tom Magill and featuring such stars
as bassman Bruce Kaminsky will be among those performing at the private
affair.
The one song inevitable at such events will surely get a swinging
rendition from Ms Adams and company this Saturday. We would like to add our
small voice of thanks to Bruce for helping keep jazz alive. I guess the
simplest way to say it is to just join in on the chorus singing, Happy
Birthday, Bruce Klauber, happy birthday to you.
