I've recently been watching a jazz documentary about Sidney Bechet. His influence and presence in his era seemed truly enormous, it appears, and he was much admired although his forceful personality was a distracting feature of the acclaim. He died in France, I know, but i didn't know he was quite so revered as a self-taught genius.
Posts: 1152 | Location: Paris | Registered: 04-28-03
What many jazz enthusiasts forget is the overwhelming influence of French Jazz writer,Huges Panassiea[I know I spelled it wrong]. He wrote a book called the Hot Discography,Le Jazz Hot, in which he documented all of the great jazz recordings of the 1920's,30's and early 40's.He carefully documented the correct personnel on each recording,as best be could.
This book ,more than any other,paved the way for the many American Jazzmen of that time who either toured Europe or migrated there where they were welcomed and idolized by the French people.The Blacks were over whelmed by the great treatment they received in France and other European countries[much better than the second class treatment they endured in the U.S.]
Bechet never received the recognition in the U.S. that he received in France.Armstrong ,Ellington and many other black musicians were treated like royalty while in Europe...thanks to one man...Hughes Panassie.
hippolips
Posts: 316 | Location: California | Registered: 01-31-09
Certainly revered in Antibes-Juan les Pins [as Antibes is officially known] honi Not only is their a public statue,a bust, to the great man but the big concert hall in the town is sited on the Square Sidney Bechet.
Duke Ellington was well known in the town, because he used to turn up with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald to perform at the jazz festival, but he never had such honours from the locals as were granted to Bechet.
But you're certainly right that Ellington, Bechet and Armstrong were loved here in Europe (even though, which I never knew until looking just now, that Bechet did jail time in France for shooting somebody !)
The man, according to a French site, was Hugues Panassie [with acute accent on the final E], by the way
There's no doubt as to Bechet's influence in shaping early jazz. Despite his monumental status as a founding father, I never cared much for his sound. (Reality check: I'm now listening to S.B. playing 'Dear Old Southland' with Noble Sissle & His Orchestra, from the Ken Burns compilation.) As with the style of many French vocalists, Bechet's sax & clarinet vibrato is too fast and nervous-sounding for my sensibilities.
Btw, the Bechet bust was discussed here at AP in 2003 -- photo included.
quote:
Hot Jazz is Cool, and Cool Jazz is Hot. Maybe the Professor, Methos, or Peeteo can explain that.
Why yes, it's related to the fact that the nose runs and the feet smell.
Posts: 2221 | Location: U.S. | Registered: 06-03-02
Five hours is nothing when one suddenly finds one has to nip out and see a man about a dog (and then go down the pub).
'Honi soit qui mal y pense' does not,of course, mean 'Honey your silk stocking is hanging down badly' but 'Shame on anyone [including honorary non-members of the WI] who thinks ill of it' which is curiously appropriate as a reply to HN-MWIs.
Not wearing garters.Too busy. Am a bit tied up at the moment.
Not only is their a public statue,a bust, to the great man but the big concert hall in the town is sited on the Square Sidney Bechet.
