Posted by Bob Byler on February 03, 2001 at 19:58:42:
We have a problem, but maybe it presents an opportunity. Can we salvage our precious JAZZ THAT LIVES on from the fallacies of the film and obituary it pronounced? Back in 1975 I prepared a plan for a 39-week TV series on jazz - organized in three 13-week segments on famous jazz players on tour, well-known bands in their regular locations, and jazz festivals. The emphasis was on traditional jazz, and a hell of a lot has happened since that time. I sent the proposal to about 30 people representing networks, beer companies that often sponsored jazz and producers or syndicators of TV shows. Got some nice letters back, but no takers. I wonder if we could get support to produce such a series or film to celebrate the past 50 or 60 years of trad/swing/mainstream jazz -- the area so neglected by Burns/Marsalis? Let me know if you are interested and can help.
Meanwhile let's be grateful for Jim Cullum's Riverwalk programs, which have done so much for the music we love. And to the Access Sacramento TV shows that are showing a lot of great jazz on stage. The Burns/Marsalis concoction obviously needs a corrective follow-up and maybe could open the door to such. Just trying to find some positive direction. B.B.