How to Order

October 2001

Joe Bushkin shares stories from his fascinating life as a top-rated pianist and songwriter as he recalls gigs with Bunny Berigan, Tommy Dorsey, Muggsy Spanier, and others. Also, we rededicate ourselves to "The Land That We Love," prompted by the Sept. 11th terrorist attack and offer a chapter from the new Nelson Riddle biography, September in the Rain, recounting Riddle's stint with Tommy Dorsey. There's also a visit to the Costa Mesa/Orange County Classic Jazz Festival and a look at the exciting Siberian Dixieland Jazz Band.

September 2001

Guitarist Howard Alden (on our cover) was one of many jazz stars pictured in our photo feature of the 2001 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, which has become a major happening in the jazz world. Also in this issue: Part II of the Joseph Lamb story (with lots of historic photos), a poignant personal glimpse of Miff Mole's last years by his young pen pal, trombonist Pete Pepke, and coverage of Connecticut's Hot Steamed Jazz Festival and Maine's Arcady Ragtime Revue.

August 2001

Part I of a comprehensive look at the life and compositions of ragtime composer Joseph Lamb, considered one of the Big Three of Classic Ragtime along with Scott Joplin and James Scott. Compiled with the help of Lamb's daughter Patricia, who also shares rare family photos. Also covered this month: The Capital City Jazz Festival presented by the Madison Jazz Society, Pete Fountain's new Big Band CD, and the many-faceted Mike Henebry, leader of Crazy Rhythm and other bands.

July 2001

International jazz star Acker Bilk of "Stranger on the Shore" fame, a clarinetist who's logged 50 successful years as a jazz bandleader, shares photos, recollections and musings about the music with The Mississippi Rag. Also, we report on the March of Jazz tribute to Ruby Braff, visit the Bunny Berigan Jubilee, the Chattanooga Jazzfest and the Atlanta Jazz Party, take a Bix Tribute bus tour, and profile the interesting women of Certains L'Aiment Chaud (Some Like It Hot).

June 2001

Here's a fascinating look at Don Vappie of New Orleans, a multi-instrumentalist and leader of the Creole Jazz Serenaders, an impressive repertory band which performs little-known Jelly Roll Morton compositions as well as other early jazz numbers. Also, trumpeter Tom Justice of Florida shares musical memories, we attend England's Swinging Jazz Party in Blackpool, and we check out the zany, talented Reynolds Brothers Rhythm Rascals.

May 2001

Oregon-based reedman Jim Beatty shares photos and stories of his successful career from his early days in Jamestown, N.Y. to his travels as a popular guest star at festivals and clubs around the world. Also, we trace the Kinda Dixie Jazz Band's colorful and complicated history as a top Las Vegas band, we turn the spotlight on the 16 major jazz musicians at San Diego Swingin' Jazz 2001, and pianist Charlie Booty writes about the "Music and Healing"medical treatment.

April 2001

"A Century of Satchmo" pays tribute to the great trumpeter Louis Armstrong as Phil Atteberry analyzes Armstrong's music, examines myths surrounding this jazz genius and explains why Louis was "the greatest jazzman of them all." Lots of historic photos, as well as a look at Louis and the New Orleans establishment by Charles Suhor. Also, coverage of the Central Illinois Jazzfest, details on Australia's jazz history, and a review of the Bob Barnard-Jim Cullumn concert in Madison, Wisc.

March 2001

Reedman Jim Galloway, who’s especially expert on soprano sax, shares wonderful photos from babyhood on as he retraces his musical history from Scotland to Canada to the world. This article captures the essence of a fine performer who’s earned international acclaim. Also, Bill Carter offers a thoughtful analysis of Ken Burns' 10-part documentary, JAZZ, we delight in an interview with the effervescent "ukulele girl," Janet Klein, and we join the fun at the Arizona Jazz Classic.

February 2001

We salute bassist Milt "The Judge" Hinton, who died Dec. 19 at age 90, with a biographical article, personal memories, and photos from our files sampling Hinton's wide-ranging and long career as a master musician and photographer. Also, we visit La Caveau de la Huchette, a wonderful Paris jazz venue that has featured jazz for more than 50 years, interview young ragtimer Neil Blaze, offer an update on Dan Levinson's health, and provide photo features on the Suncoast Jazz Classic and the San Diego Thanksgiving Jazz Fest.

January 2001

A comprehensive history of the late, legendary drummer Tommy Benford, lavishly illustrated with historic photos from the Benford photo album and other marvelous photos from noted photographers. Benford loved music and people, and his positive attitude is beautifully captured in this informative, entertaining article. Also in this issue, Part II of the "Ragtime Bob" Darch story, wonderful coverage of ÊJazz at Chautauqua, a fascinating account of a "Birth of Jazz" concert, and the final IDs of musicians in that famous Jelly Roll Morton Red Hot Peppers photo.

December 2000

Part I of the story of colorful and controversial "Ragtime Bob" Darch, who has enlivened the ragtime world for more than 60 years with his international ragtime adventures. This in-demand pianist retains a youthful attitude, entertaining audiences with memorable performances of ragtime and saloon music from his phenomenally large repertoire. Also included: a detailed account of the wide-ranging career of Ralph Hutchinson, perhaps best known as Muggsy Spanier's trombonist, and plenty of festival coverage--Bude, Great River, Sonoma County, and Earlyjas.

November 2000

We track young trumpeter Duke Heitger, a spectacularly talented new artist, from his jazz beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, under the tutelage of his clarinetist father, Ray, to his active musical life in New Orleans, his current home. Also, there's an entertaining overview of pianist John Ulrich's life in jazz and a tender remembrance of the late clarinetist Walt Gower, who enhanced many a jazz band. Plus, festival coverage -- the Costa Mesa/Orange County Jazz Classic, Jazz in July at the 92nd St. Y, the JVC fest, and the Hot Steamed Jazzfest.

October 2000

British trumpeter Kenny Ball, a jazz star since he recorded ÒMidnight in MoscowÓ in the 1960s, is still touring with his Jazzmen, still recording and still thrilling audiences. Ball tells the RAG how he developed his distinctive, successful approach to jazz. Also, we visit SwitzerlandÕs New Orleans Ascona jazzfest, WisconsinÕs Capital City Jazz Festival and MontanaÕs Sleeping Giant Jubilee. Pianist Gale Foehner chronicles his ragtime life and we celebrate the Hot Jazz and Alligator Gumbo Society's 20th year.

September 2000

Reedman Joe Licari says he's "the invisible clarinet player," but he's respected by the many jazz giants he's played with in the NY/NJ/New England area. He shares great photos from his personal scrapbook, plus we have more great photos capturing Sacramento's Jazz Jubilee and the March of Jazz, which honored Flip Phillips at 85. Also, Warren Vaché, Sr. describes a "record breaking experience" during WWII , and photographer Duncan Schiedt captures in images and text a special Allegheny Jazz Society jazz weekend. Also, quick looks at the Firehouse Revival Swiss Dixieland Jazz Band and the Megeve Jazz Contest in France.

August 2000

Ken Keeler, leader of California's Devil Mountain Jazz Band, opens his photo album as RAG writer Bob Byler retraces this fine band's 18-year history, interviews the current members, and provides a few DMJB photos of his own. Plus, there's a detailed look at the Bix-flavored Swedish band, Paul & His Gang, led by Paul Strandberg, and great photo coverage of the Atlanta and West Texas jazz parties, as well as the Tribute to Bix Chicago cemetery crawl. French boogie woogie pianist Philippe LeJeune visits Art Tatum's sister, and the Toledo Jazz Society celebrates 20 years.

July 2000

Reedman Brian Ogilvie, now in New Orleans, talks about his early musical years in Canada and his stints with the New Black Eagles, the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and Blue Swing. Illustrated with great photos from his private collection. Other stories include East Coast trombonist Cas Brosky's recollections of 70 years as a professional musician, coverage of the Blackpool Swing Party and the Shasta Jazz Fest, plus quick looks at Lance Buller's Monarchs and Don Lawrence's many musical projects.

June 2000

Plenty of rare photos illustrate two stories on highly regarded trumpeter Bob Scobey. He's fondly recalled in a story by an old friend, Larry Quilligan, and Paige Van Vorst summarizes his career while reviewing Jan Scobey's book, He Rambled! 'Til Cancer Cut Him Down. Also included are a visit to the Redwood Coast Dixieland Jazz Festival and interviews with Bill Napier, the still-active clarinetist who played with Scobey and Turk Murphy, and Turk Murphy cornetist Larry Conger, who relocated to South Carolina where he formed his own band.

May 2000

Phil Atteberry interviews master pianist/arranger John Sheridan of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, who's built a sterling reputation as a solo pianist and "dream band" leader. There are lots of interesting photos of Sheridan with many other fine jazz performers. Also, Danish jazz aficionado John Larsen shares his 1966 photos and memories of legendary New Orleans jazz performers, we attend the swinging San Diego Jazz Party, and we publish a touching true story of soldiers and music in the midst of WWII.

April 2000

Canadian pianist/bandleader Toni Blodgett, who blends American and Canadian musicians in her CanUS group, plays solo piano at clubs and recreates 1920s radio with the Belvedere Broadcasters, talks about her passion for piano and the challenges she faced on her road to a successful career. Also, the Juggernaut Jug Band in concert and two photo features on special anniversary parties--the Central Illinois Jazz Festival's 25th and the North Carolina Jazz Festival's 20th, plus a thumbnail sketch of the Evergreen Classic Jazz Band and plenty of reviews.

March 2000

Multi-instrumentalist John Gill has traveling feet when it comes to jazz, recently relocating to New Orleans. In this issue, the top-ranked musician talks frankly about his love of jazz, his evolution as a musician, and his willingness to move for good gigs. Also, trumpeter Dick Oakley retraces his life with jazz greats, including Jack Teagarden and the Salt City Five; washboardist Mike Schwimmer is interviewed by our Paris correspondents; and we visit the San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazzfest and the Arizona Classic Jazzfest.

February 2000

An in-depth look at that fine Original Salty Dog drummer Wayne Jones, who's gigged with many other top-notch musicians; interviews with Paris multi-instrumental Marc Laferriere and pianist Peter Mintun (who focuses on songs of the 1920s-'30s); Jack Sohmer's fond remembrance of a 1950s New York gig with Frank Gillis; Butch Thompson's take on the Chicago Tribune Jelly Roll Morton series; and photo features on the Great Connecticut and Medford festivals.

January 2000

A fascinating account and rare photos of the musical Green family from Civil War times to today's Lew Green of the Original Salty Dogs and Green's New Novelty Orchestra. Special emphasis on xylophone masters Joe Green and George Hamilton Green. Also, Roy Eaton's classical approach to Scott Joplin's compositions, New Orleans trombonist Tom Ebbert's story, Dick Hyman's recordings, the eclectic percussionists known as Nexus, Lake Superior Ragtime '99, and the Gateway Jazzfest.

December 1999

Superb guitarist Al Casey traces his jazz journey from his debut as a teenager with Fats Waller to his current gigs with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, young reedman Evan Christopher outlines his musical plans, noted composer Judith Lang Zaimont discusses her ragtime compositions, the Gotham Jazzmen talk about their long-standing gig in the Big Apple, and jazz lovers swing at "Jazz at Chautauqua."

November 1999

We mark the Hoagy Carmichael Centennial as we salute this extraordinary American songwriter who delighted us with his memorable tunes and his down-home qualities. Also, British trumpeter Keith Smith offers Part II of his story, lavishly illustrated with rare photos of his gigs in the U.S. and around the world in the 1960s-'80s with legendary jazzmen, and we cover the Hot Steamed and Scott Joplin festivals.