^^^ Thanks David ...
We have a lot in common, David.
During the early 50's I lived in Los Angeles with my Mom in a studio apartment. She slept on a sofa bed and I slept on a bed that folded down from the wall.
I'd listen to the blues on my small radio late at night under my covers so that I didn't wake my Mom up. I remember the few times that I did wake her and her response was always the same ... "Frank, are you listening to that music AGAIN??" I'd always say ... "but Mom, listen to these guys sing!"
It was her fault, David, because she's the one who instilled the love of music into me. Its one of the things I'm most grateful for and love the most about my Mom.
Under those covers, I used to listen to a radio station that originated inside of a record store in South Central Los Angeles at Vernon and Central Avenues. The disc jockey's name was "Huggie Boy." His sponsor was "Mister Jim's BBQ." The commercial for Mr. Jim's BBQ was .... "You need no teef, to eat mah beef." *lol* I think my laughter at that ad woke my Mom up a few times. I still laugh when I think of that great show and ad.
From listening to those early blues, things naturally evolved into Earl Bostic, Joe Houston, Big Jay McNeeley ... and then into West Coast Jazz, and then into BeBop and big band.
And, here we are today ... still talking about and listening to that great music ... and in debt to our Black brethren for their wonderful contributions to great American music.
Looking forward to meeting you at Newport ...
Take care ...
