Date:	05-Jan-1999 21:16:36
From:	Mike Lynch (mikelynch1@prodigy.com)
	I'm halfway through your Playboy Guide and find it as concise and authoritative as possible. Thanx for the inclusion of the "Unsung Sonnys" (Stitt and Criss). I'll stop in my praise or I'll have no room for the question: On page 124 you say that "the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra has no individual albums now in print". What about "Dedication" from 1996, "Village Vanguard" from '97 and (I think one or more) others on Laserlight?

 

Date:	14-Jan-1999 14:21:58
From:	Neil Tesser
	Mike is right; apparently these late-60s Thad Jones/Mel Lewis albums from the Solid State label have passed from United Artists (which owned the Solid State label at the time) to the always dubious LaserLight label, which routinely confuses listeners by refusing to do the slightest work in terms of liner notes, discographical information, etc. That's the main reason I left LaserLight out of the book, for the most part. But in this case, the albums came out either as or after I was writing the book, and thus escaped my notice. Rest assured that once I check to see that they will remain available for a while, at least one of them ("Dedication") will be included in a second edition of THE PLAYBOY GUIDE should there be one. Also, keep in mind that "Dedication" (which, if memory serves, was originally called "Central Park West") is included with all the other Solid State recordings on a 5-CD set ("The Complete Solid State Recordings") on the Mosaic label. Thanks for the tip, Mike.

 

Date:	20-Jan-1999 19:37:05
From:	Mike Lynch (mikelynch1@prodigy.net)
	THANX for your gracious reply to my input of 5 Jan. I have since finished reading the book and consider it the best concise look at Jazz I've yet come across. (And I own 120 Jazz books). However, even the best hit an occasional clinker (although I swear Monk never did!). On page 128 you cite Jimmy Smith's swingin' Verve album "Organ Grinder's Swing" as "featuring Grant Green". Unless the liner notes--and my ears--are mistaken, those guitar solos represent some of the funkiest Kenny Burrell on record. Thanx again for great addition to the Jazz Library.

 

Date:	22-Jan-1999 05:57:58
From:	Mark Fidler (mark_fidler@usa.net)
	I am a relative newcomer to jazz. I have "discovered" Charlie Parker and Benny Goodman and am now beginning to ware out their CDs. Where would you recommend I go next? (As a guitarist I am particularly interested to acquire some decent music and CDs for this instrument) How accessible is Chick Corea - a name I remember from my days at university here in England without ever hearing any.

 

Date:	24-Jan-1999 03:41:39
From:	Kevin Ridout (kayjay@fox.net.au)
	I would be interested to hear about guitarist Billy Bean who played with among others Herbie Mann, Walter Norris and made some legendary recordings with fellow guitarist John Pisano. Thanks for the opportunity to air this inquiry as I have enjoyed this artists playing for som time. Regards Kevin.

 

Date:	28-Jan-1999 03:16:45
From:	Neil Tesser
	Catching up on the mail: First, Mike Lynch is right again; somehow, in the process of assembling a lot of information, the name of the ACTUAL Jimmy Smith album featuring Grant Green (I'M MOVIN' ON) got transcribed with another fine example of Smith's work. It will be corrected in (the hoped-for) later editions of THE PLAYBOY GUIDE. Mark Fidler's first question helps illustrate the reason that I wrote THE PLAYBOY GUIDE the way I did, in that the book groups similarly-styled artists in discrete historical chapters. For instance, reading the chapter that recommends Benny Goodman would also have brought him around to Charlie Christian -- the first noted electric guitarist in jazz -- as well as such Goodman contemporaries as Artie Shaw, Lester Young, and of course the seminal work of Ellington and Basie. So Mark, I'd move to those. As for moving on from Charlie Parker, use the method I suggested in the book's introduction: buy an album by some of your favorite Parker collaborators -- such as Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, J.J. Johnson, Max Roach -- and then buy albums by some of the sidemen on THOSE discs. It's the best way to build upon your existing preferences and expand your sites at the same time. Much of Chick Corea's music is quite accessible, especially his solo piano discs; his duos with vibist Gary Burton (including the excellent new Grammy-nominated album NATIVE SENSE); his piano-trio dates of the late 80s and 90s; and his early-70s albums with the acoustic version of his band Return To Forever. His new band, Origin, is one of his best, but I think you'll want to familiarize yourself with other aspects of Corea's music before getting their debut album.

 

Date:	28-Jan-1999 03:21:35
From:	Neil Tesser
	Re: Kevin's query -- Basically, you've already covered most of what there is to know about Billy bean's career: in the early 60s, after making the record with Walter Norris that you mention, Bean dropped out of music and did not record again. As far as I know, the albums you listed are not currently available on CD.

 

Date:	04-Feb-1999 06:06:59
From:	Manuela Weitkamp-Smith (manuela@cs.tu-berlin.de)
	I am looking for a recording by Barney Wilen, that he did after the death of race car driver Lorenzo Bandini. The original title is: "le Tragique destin de Lorenzo Bandini". Could somebody help me find it. I was probably recorded in 1967/68. Thanks a lot and greetings from Berlin, Germany Manuela

 

Date:	26-Feb-1999 10:21:54
From:	Paul Scea (pscea@wvu.edu)
	Neil, Great book. It really will work for a Jazz History class too. Paul

 

Date:	24-Mar-1999 12:48:59
From:	Amanda (strecycle@hotmail.com)
	I am taking a hitory of jazz class,(and loving it).Part of our midterm was to buy a movie titled,The Sory of Jazz, and we are to name the 21 people that flash by in the first two minutes in the movie. Iam capable of only naming some of them, it is due Friday and I NEED HELP!!!

 

Date:	12-Apr-1999 02:02:13
From:	David Margolick/Vanity Fair (damarg@aol.com)
	I'm looking for anyone who has lore on Billie Holiday and the song "Strange Fruit" -- that is, the impact of the song when it first came out, reactions in the black and white communities in the North and South, its influence on other musicians. I've already written a long piece on this; I'm now expanding it into a book and need whatever factual or anecdotal or impressionistic material I can get! Is there some way of posting this request anywhere? And can you tell me anything yourself? I'd be much obliged.

 

Date:	21-Apr-1999 21:47:47
From:	Thom Vourlas (jvourlas@infi.net)
	My friend is offering a $50 REWARD to anyone who can help him find an old jazz song. Unfortunately, details are sketchy at best. Here's what he knows: The cut was first heard by him on radio around 1973, so the album was likely no earlier than late 60s or early 70s. The album cover was all white, except for a "symbol" about 1"-2" big that was off-center on the front. The track was the last cut on the album and was about 7 to 11 mins long. The main component was a saxophone that was also hooked up to a voice-box, so that during the verses the guy would "sing" the song through the sax. A six-string bass guitar accompanied the sax, but he doesn't know what other instruments were on it. The fade-out was quite long. Not much to go by, but he had it on a tape that accidentally got erased, so that's why the reward. HE WANTS TO FIND IT!!

 

Date:	26-Apr-1999 08:49:36
From:	Phillip Washington (PWashin600@Aol.com)
	I have at least 3000 albums, mostly jazz, I have been collecting them sence 1973 where my old collection burned up. I have decided to sell most of these records to make room for some of the new stuff that out there. Can you tell me where I can get a price list of old or new records. I also have some rock, soul, mostly jazz.

 

Date:	10-May-1999 19:43:15
From:	Jay Flatley (jflatley@mdyn.com)
	My son is an accomplished jazz pianist. He has decided to go to the Claremont colleges for his academic education, but is disappointed that they don't have a jazz music program on campus. Do you know of any jazz schools in the LA area? Or do you know who I could talk to to get information on jazz programs in the LA area? Jay

 

Date:	16-Jun-1999 02:07:02
From:	Jeffrey Germaine (jpg@sirius.com)
	Neil, I'm trying to build a Stan Getz discography. Can you recomend key recordings from all his periods ? Thanks, Jeffrey

 

Date:	28-Jun-1999 10:02:36
From:	BillC (billcumminss@yahoo.com)
	Hi - I'm trying to track down a song - My quest isn't helped by the fact that I don't know - the song title - the artist - the label - or - the approx. year of recording I know it's a long shot but I thought I'd try you! The song - if you've heard it - is instantly memorable - Main lyric = was I drunk was he handsome and did my Ma give me hell - Oh I fell - Jazzy number - New Orleans style - sung by a late teens Afro-American girl - Very funny - high pitched lyrics - Any hope??? A case of Chablis to the finder - Thanks - Best wishes Bill billcumminss@yahoo.com

 

Date:	03-Jul-1999 16:25:35
From:	claire daly (cdbjazz@aol.com)
	hi neil--i'm a baritone player in nyc. was just reading about you and your book. i look forward to picking it up. i'd like to send you my cd (new release on koch jazz). if you e-mail me with your address (and e-mail!), i'll get right in touch. hope to hear from you, claire

 

Date:	15-Jul-1999 23:34:05
From:	Mark Morgan (Morgan1M@aol.com)
	Neil: My GreatUncle (my mom's brother) just passed away in Arizona. He grew up in Chicago and was a tremendous jazz fan. Apparently he was a very close friend of Bob Davis who I understand was a jazz DJ in chicago for several years. My question is that my Greatuncle has over 1000 records and tapes in his collection, some of which are over 60 years old. I'm sure they are of value but my Great Aunt has no idea of how to determine its worth or to transfer the collection to someone who would appreciate it. Are you aware of a reputable appraisal agency that could assist her? If you are, could you relay the information back to me via email and then I will transmit the information to her. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Mark

 

Date:	21-Jul-1999 08:09:52
From:	John E. DeGroat (jdegroat@bellatlantic.net)
	I have an old Freddie Hubbard CD. In it there is a mention on another CD I'd like to obtain. California Concert (ZG 40690) Can you tell me how I can find this CD?

 

Date:	29-Jul-1999 10:35:19
From:	Terence Ripmaster (TRipma3036@aol.com)
	Neil, I'm presently writing a biography of Willis Conover/ I believe you received the Conover award/ Did you know Willis? Would you like to contribute remarks about him in the book? I would appreciate hearing from you and others interested in Conover's life/ my address is 125 Deer Park Rd. Hackettstown, NJ 07840

 

Date:	21-Aug-1999 14:13:38
From:	Richard Allan Singleton (Sirhan56@yahoo.com)
	I grew up with the son of Sam the man taylor. Sam is dead and his wife is as well. There son Stephen is my dearest friend after 30 years. I'm hoping you can and will help me dig up as much info in " Sam the man as Possible from the net. I have found very litte info on him and what i have found i like to pass on to Stephen. It's something to keep him buzy as he is dying of the related conditions of "lupus and not in the best of spirits. Stephen lives in Decatur ,Ga and just left for home last thursday after a week here. Please help I don't won't to beg however this is very important. Richard A Singleton Aka Sirhan56@ yahoo.com Thank You and god bless

 

Date:	19-Sep-1999 14:35:05
From:	uhlmann michael (miggu66@hotmail.com)
	dear neil, I would like to attend a jazzschool in california.I'm playing electrical bass. Which is the best jazzschool in california,which the best one in the US in your opinion? Thank you for answering these questions.

 

Date:	28-Sep-1999 13:43:40
From:	howard
	I need film footage and stills plus any documents, family members and others who knew them: Charlie Christian Jimmy Blanton Bunny Berigan Clifford Brown Chick Webb Wardell Gray Herschel Evans Chu Berry Fats Navarro Serge Chaloff Sonny Berman Clyde Hart Booker Ervin Robert Johnson Tommy Ladnier James(Bubber)Miley Nat Jaffe Frank Teschemacher Clarence(Pinetop)Smith Lee Morgan Irving Fazola Lil Green Thanks. Robert Email: hfis646942@aol.com (212)579-0689

 

Date:	14-Oct-1999 21:43:51
From:	Ron Goodwin (scthomas@agency.com)
	Wondering if anyone knows what artist(s) performed with the french horn In the Still of the Night while a piano is playing Clare de lune? Please advise!

 

Date:	29-Oct-1999 01:52:40
From:	john (jberlau@aol.com)
	I'm a reporter, and I desperately need to confirm if Chet Atkins won the jazz poll from 1966 1o 1969, and if so, in what category. Thanks.

 

Date:	29-Oct-1999 01:54:23
From:	john (jberlau@aol.com)
	That's the Playboy jazz poll, by the way.

 

Date:	25-Nov-1999 15:49:49
From:	Mike Jones
	Let me say this, a young turk like yourself gets up in the morning, puts his pants on one leg at a time, and writes some great things about jazz, TRUST ME ON THIS. Keep up the good work.

 

Date:	07-Jan-2000 01:21:11
From:	Adam
	I am a novice to jazz--i really like brad mehldau's music and his amazing piano. Any suggestions on jazz with a similar sound? and other cutting edge mellow jazz? also, what is wynton marsalis' most representative/best work? thanks

 

Date:	06-Feb-2000 08:47:44
From:	Magnus Nyström (sinus@telia.com)
	I'm a guitarist from Sweden who has just made my second CD. I'd like to have tips from you about whom to send it to, in order to get reviews. Thanks in advanc

 

Date:	20-Feb-2000 16:03:54
From:	Mark L. MacGregor (marktbonist@yahoo.com)
	I am doing a research paper about Female big bands from WW2 to the present. Could you help me with any info or people and places that I may be able to pursue this unknown realm of jazz. Thanking you in advance, Mark L. MacGregor

 

Date:	11-Jun-2000 11:25:35
From:	John H. Sibley (sibsartstudio@msn.com)
	Neil,I have enjoyed your insightful articles,and your show onWBEZ for years.Neil I am a jazz/sports artists(I hate labels)at least that is what my forte is.I recently contacted Jason,at DOWNBEAT magazine in regards to my online JAZZ GALLERY at :www.artistsvillage.com/jazz sib 1.asp or you can get there via www.world artist directory.com I talked to him about an article on my work he seemed interested. What I am tryin to do Neil is generate interest in my site, I have already started to creat links with major jazz magazine and organizations.If you would be kind enuf,as a fellow Chicagoan,to mention my site onWBEZ or write a peice about my work for DOWNBEAT you would help me immensely in my quest to become the number ono jazz painter in the world.Sounds pretty grandiose,huh?Well, I'LL let you be the judge of that after you gaze at my gallery work.I need you help Neil, to make this online site a success.All imfo about me is at the site.Thanks.SIB

 

Date:	26-Jul-2000 12:12:11
From:	Bud Leonetti (VHOU812RWC)
	I have been compiling information for a book about Frank Teschemacher and would like to contact any surviving musicians and relatives.I am also trying to locate any pictures and was wondering if you could help me.Thanks and love your site! Sincerly Bud

 

Date:	23-Sep-2000 15:03:31
From:	Craig Turner (Ausi@aol.com)
	I am looking for Barney Wilen's recordings on the Alfa label- Essential Ballads, Paris Moods , French Story, Modern Nostalge

 

Date:	11-Nov-2000 15:24:23
From:	Princess (www.1-8-princess692@blackplanet.com)
	How much will a 36 year old conover piano be worth?

 

Date:	22-Nov-2000 15:10:15
From:	David O' Flaherty (dofter47@hotmail.com)
	I Have been trying to find a Stan Getz number named "we are free". Heard it for the first time ten years ago on a European issue Jazz compilation tape and have been trying to find it ever since. Any help much appreciated - thanks.

 

Date:	29-Nov-2000 16:55:34
From:	Leo Lagos (llagos@amr.cl)
	Hi Neil, I've read your guide about three times (and I'll do a lto more...), but there is some reference I think that can be wrong... You mention about the Brubeck disc "Dave Digs Disney" to be the only disney-movies related jazz record until 30 years later came a second... Are You considering the disc "Disney Songs the Satchmo Way", which I have, and that seems to be from the same period? Or are You considering only instrumental records, as opossed to vocal works? Regards, Leo

 

Date:	27-Jan-2001 12:20:08
From:	Steve Hillyer (s-hillyer@northwestern.edu)
	Hello, Neil-- I just read your take on Ken Burns Jazz in this week's CityTalk and found it to be totally on the money. I'd like to e-mail a copy of the article to several friends. No such animal is available on CityTalk link. Would you be able to you e-mail the article to me in some form? I'd be willing to pay any permission fee involved.

 

Date:	27-Jan-2001 12:25:05
From:	Steve Hillyer (s-hillyer@northwestern.edu)
	Hello, Neil-- I just read your take on Ken Burns Jazz in this week's CityTalk and found it to be totally on the money. I'd like to e-mail a copy of the article to several friends. No such animal is available on CityTalk link. Would you be able to you e-mail the article to me in some form? I'd be willing to pay any permission fee involved.

 

Date:	23-Sep-2001 13:57:45
From:	Henry Benson (editor@centralcoastmagazine.com)
	Re: Monterey Jazz Festival/2001 Hello! We just took lots of pictures of Lucky Peterson, Joe Lovano and Branford & Wynton Marsalis, and Roy Hargrow, and many other musicians at Monterey Bay Jazz Festival/2001. We create e-Cards for Musicians and Artists: http://centralcoastmagazine.com/postcards/index.htm http://centralcoastmagazine.com/postcards/hargrove.ht ml http://centralcoastmagazine.com/postcards/jonnylang/i ndex.html and Web presence for Jazz/Blues Publishers, Reviews and Festivals: http://centralcoastmagazine.com/timelessjazz/ http://centralcoastmagazine.com/santacruzblues/scblu es_index.html Full Info at: http://centralcoastmagazine.com/index1.html Sincerely, HENRY BENSON Executive Editor/Photographer