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Louis Bryan
Since: 2020 | Position: Contributor | Location: Portland | Page Views: 1,901 
About Me
Louis writes, ruminates and chills in Clatskanie, OR.
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My Jazz Story
I love jazz, because I was exposed to it at an early age. Also jazz is a natural part of my culture as an African-American of mixed heritage.
I was first exposed to jazz while spending my formative years living with my paternal grandparents, and listening to my youngest uncle, " Dickie(Richard)," playing his own alto sax , while I was hanging out in his room.
I met a number of famous jazz musicians, e.g., Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughn, et al, at fantastic venues in NYC/Greenwich Village like the Five Spot, Village Vanguard, Birdland, etc., before & after I'd graduated from high school.
The best show/concert I ever attended was when I was a still a kid, and my aforementioned uncle & friends took me to the first (of future) Newport Jazz Festival events, in 1958, where I was mesmerized by such jazz icons like Chico Hamilton, Louis Armstrong, Monk, et al.
The first jazz record I bought was, "It Don't Mean a Thing," by saxophonist, Lester Young.
My advice to new listeners is to LISTEN to jazz, the music, itself, to jazz greats, classical and notable current artists, adopting an attitude of taking a course, even reading an occasional related book or jazz musician's bio, in essence, make jazz a part of your musical world.
My House Concert Story
Used to attend jazz "boites" in Paris (2000-04) with my friends, going to clubs like, 7 Lezards (now closed), Les Ducs des Lombards, JazzClub Etoile, etc.
Favorite Places to See Jazz
Theme Song
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KUDO
Cool website! Been a jazz fan/aficionado all of my life. I compare it to having always been, in essence, the sweet musical soundtrack of my life. This website popped up while I was searching for a particular album. Glad I stumbled onto this particular oasis. Actual, quality jazz sites—or in any other form—are far and few between(or vice versa), which is why I decided to check it out and to join. It seems a mellow, dedicated, and welcoming place to visit for devotees such as myself, and others comprising a relatively small but select group. So kudos to youse guys for creating, "All About Jazz."SUGGESTION
A published poet, journalist & fiction writer, and war vet, I have a few suggestions that might be worth reviewing, with the understanding that to keep this site active & growing, money, as usual, plays an integral part in that process. I'll most certainly & gladly donate whenever & however much I can. My ideas: (1) Create sections highlighting a particular "Jazz Musician/Artist of the Month," complete with full bio, quality/ stand-out reviews both new &classic, (2) a full-as-possible discography, including hard-to-get albums, all available for purchase via, All About Jazz, (3) exploring how jazz has been translated/interpreted within countries outside U.S., France Brasil, UK, e.g., (4) Jazz DVD's, downloads (or other techno media), featuring classic performances by Betty Carter, Art Blakey, Count Basie, et al. (worthy one are like looking for hay in a needle stack[sic]), and (5) in this "Covid-19 Era," possibly setting up a monthly webinar(?) wherein jazz fans could have a lively interchange. BTW - Am still navigating site, so some of my suggestions may already be in place. But I could certainly come up with others for review.This page was last updated on 2020-07-19.
