A Letter from Los Angeles

Jack Bowers

Senior Contributor since 1997

A former newspaper writer / editor who has been writing about big-band Jazz for more than fifteen years.

Recent articles (1,749 total)

Published: October 10, 2004

I hope, dear reader, that this brief summary, which in no way does justice to the event and what was presented therein, will at least give you an idea of what a marvelous four days the Maynard Ferguson reunion / tribute was. Even though viewing three films, sitting in on eight panel discussions and attending eighteen concerts in four days was rather like running a marathon in August, it was well worth the effort. If I can't thank Ken Poston and the LAJI enough for the time and energy invested in its coordination, Ken couldn't thank Bobby Shew enough for his help in recruiting the musicians and planning the program. Next month I'll write more about the Los Angeles Jazz Institute, which is housed on the campus of Cal State-Long Beach. Poston has been holding similar theme-centered events for more than a dozen years; if you should happen to hear of one, I'd suggest that you make plans to attend, as there really is nothing to equal them, even the widely publicized and heavily promoted Jazz Festivals that are held each year in the U.S. and abroad. The only musicians you'll see are masters, and the only music you'll hear is straight-ahead. That's an unbeatable combination.

Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep swingin'!

~ Jack Bowers

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