Type title here...

Type title here... http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php Type description here... en-us Wed, 02 May 2012 09:32:12 -0600 Wed, 02 May 2012 09:32:12 -0600 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss admin Here's a lovely tribute to trumpeter Jane Sager that I received from Dave S. in an email. Great website! Jane Sager was my trumpet teacher 1956-58 at her Selma Ave studio in Hollywood. Jane was quite a fascinating and interesting person and a terrific and patient trumpet teacher. Her studio faced Selma (a block South of Hollywood Boulevard and a couple doors East of Highland). When the door to the practice room was open, it was not infrequent that well known musicians and other personalities would casually wave to her if they walked by and she would wave back and say to me, "that was Henry Mancini, he has a studio down the block"...etc. She really knew music, understood musicians and entertainer lifestyles ... how they became successful, and success priorities. Although my life has worked out quite well, I wish I had paid more attention to some of her suggestions and advice. One I never forgot ... she advised that I should focus on my music and perfecting the trumpet and not get hung up on a girlfriend. When I told her I was going into the Air Force, she offered to help get me into the Air Force band, but I didn't feel that was as exciting as what I wanted to choose, so I declined her assistance. Jane was a very supportive and intuitive teacher, assertive, but not overly disciplinary when she could tell I hadn't been practicing as often as I should. Her lessons were what I call "traditional/conservative/creative"; warm-up exercises, then some Arban studies, then some chord studies and finally some ad-lib, play-along with records. I knew that she had taught Chet Baker and later found out she had also taught Herb Alpert, who I had met a few times when we were both younger. I gave up the trumpet around age 35. It still remains a big regret. ... http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1327168298 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1327168298&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1327168298 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:51:38 -0700 yolanda walker my mother was a sweetheart of rhythm. she went to piney woods at the age of 7and stayed until completing high school. her sister was dr. jones' secretary for many years.. i remember some of the band members visiting us in las vegas. this was quite interesting. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1326065828 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1326065828&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1326065828 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:37:08 -0700 karen do u have newsletter tro join http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1317270469 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1317270469&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1317270469 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:27:49 -0600 Susan And now I'll add a bit of information about Georgianna, aka Pat Spann. Georgianna Spann Lewis, aka Pat Spann, a native New Yorker, born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, started singing in church at age ten. She was introduced to the world of jazz through a program called "The House that Jazz Built," run by Ms. Maxine Sullivan. Pat Spann began her professional singing career in 1960 as a member of the R&B group "The Cleftones," recorded the hit single "Heart & Soul" with them, and toured and recorded with the group until 1965. During this time, Pat performed throughout the U.S., including New York City’s Apollo Theater, The Howard Theatre in Washington, DC and the "American Bandstand" television show hosted by Dick Clark. In 1966 Pat left the group to raise a family. In 1972 she re-entered the music business, combining her love of music with her strong desire to help people with her skills and experience in health care. With the help of an organization called Hospital Audience Inc. (H.A.I.), Pat took entertainment into nursing homes, correctional facilities, senior citizen centers and other charitable organizations. From 1977-1989, Pat performed with such bands as the Don Maynard Quartet, Wild Bill Davis’ band and the Milt Larkin 10-piece band, to name a few. She became the lead vocalist with the Ray Abrams 18-piece Big Band in 1977. In 1981 they were honored to perform for the great Eubie Blake on the occasion of his 98th birthday celebration in Brooklyn, New York. From 1995 to 1997, Pat performed as lead singer with the dynamic women’s jazz quartet, Jazzberry Jam, whose members included Bertha Hope, Paula Hampton and Carlene Raye. Backed by Jazzberry Jam, Pat sang for Dr. Billy Taylor’s 75th birthday on the Great Hill in Central Park, the Mary Lou Williams "Women in Jazz" festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, The Brooklyn Academy of Music and throughout the East Coast. ( ... ... http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164508 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164508&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164508 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:15:08 -0700 Susan Thanks to native New Yorker and vocalist Georgianna Spann Lewis for sending me a terrific message with information about a jazz pianist I didn’t know about. BERTHA HOPE was born and raised in Los Angeles. During the 1960’s she and her late husband, pianist Elmo Hope, collaborated on some fine jazz music. Over the years Bertha transcribed many of Elmo Hope’s compositions to pay tribute to one of “be-bop’s” underrated contributors. To perform his compositions Bertha formed a group called ELMOllennium,” which featured, Walter Booker (bs) (now deceases), Leroy Williams (dr), Virgil Jones (tr), Charles Davis (ts), Roni Ben-Hur (g), and Amy London (guest vocalist). Bertha now lives in New York City. For a number of years she was an artist-in-residence under the auspices of “The New Jersey State Council on the Arts.” Through that program, she performed in New Jersey state-wide workshops with such distinguished musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Nat Adderley and Philly Joe Jones. Bertha currently teaches an advanced jazz ensemble at The Lucy Moses School, and an Introduction to Jazz Program sponsored by Bette Midler at Washington Irving H.S. in NYC. As leader of “The Bertha Hope Trio,” Bertha has toured extensively in Japan. She's also a composer and arranger, and has issued several recordings under her own name: “In Search of Hope” and “Elmo’s Fire” (Steeplechase); “Between Two Kings” (Minor Records) and her latest on the Reservoir label, “Nothin’ But Love.” ... http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164261 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164261&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1289164261 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:11:01 -0700 Anne V Smith Just found your site when doing a little research about my grandmother!!! Love the articles. I will return for sure. My grandmother was Valeria Evenson, and she was a saxophonist in the Bobby Grice bands Parisian Red Heads and Fourteen Bricktops. Her grandfather had been a concertmaster in Europe and of course, all his children and grandchildren learned to play at an early age. Grandma Valeria toured from the time she was aobut 16 until she was about 22 as I understand it. After she married, she didn't pick up a horn again until one of her grandchildren brought one home from school. 40years later she could still really blow! http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1286916126 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1286916126&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1286916126 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:42:06 -0600 Susan Hi Brian! Thanks for stopping by and telling me about your grandma. I'm always thrilled to hear about adventurous women who toured the country with all-women bands. She was a real pioneer! Susan http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281656965 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281656965&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281656965 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:49:25 -0600 brian hinton hi my grandma was in a all girl band in the 20,s. the group was formed in ohio and was called Smart Set . they toured alot of neigboring states and more. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281596548 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281596548&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1281596548 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:02:28 -0600 Mike Burgevin Hi Susan!- So enjoyed your profile on Lil Hardin- didn't know she wrote ,"Thrill"- always learning. A wonderful person / woman / pianist is Janice Friedman of NYC- plays jazz like nobody's business, do you know her? Thanks again for the read. Mike Burgevin (mb) http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1277934545 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1277934545&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1277934545 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:49:05 -0600 Helaine I am very impressed with the video trailer you did for your book Absolution. You have so much talent in many areas. I just wanted to let you know I admire what you have accomplished. Helaine http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1276350490 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1276350490&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1276350490 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 07:48:10 -0600 Carolyn Back in the 1970's I majored in percussion at Oberlin Conservatory. I went on to get my master's degree at Eastman School of Music. At that time there were only a tiny handful of female percussionists out there. Thanks for sharing this information about Evelyn Glennie. It was very inspiring to read about her determination to perform in spite of every obstacle. This is a wonderful web site! http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1260058569 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1260058569&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1260058569 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:16:09 -0700 Susan My daughter is 15 and just started drum lessons, which she loves. She'll really appreciate this site. Thank you very much. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1257183788 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1257183788&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1257183788 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:43:08 -0700 Susan Fleet Here's an update on Barb's request to locate members of the Joy Caylor Orchestra. I was able to obtain, through a music historian friend, Joy Caylor's phone number for Barb. Happily, just in time for Barb's 83rd birthday! She had a terrific reunion, via telephone, with her former band leader. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1244471226 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1244471226&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1244471226 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:27:06 -0600 Barbara (Butch) Bond Hi, I am looking for any members of the Joy Caylor Orchestra. My name is Barb ("Butch") Bond. I was a saxophonist with the band from 1942-19444. I would love to hear from any former members. The email address is my daughter's she will forward all communications to me. I am currently living in Spearfish, SD. Regards, Barb (Bond) Moore http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1243118766 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1243118766&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1243118766 Sat, 23 May 2009 16:46:06 -0600 Chris You're doing a great job! Congratulations! Chris http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581268 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581268&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581268 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:01:08 -0700 Ed Greatly enjoyed reading about Maud Powell on your terrific website. I knew absolutely nothing about her. I hope I can get ahold of the CD made from her old recordings that you mention. Keep up the good work! Ed http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581100 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581100&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1235581100 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:58:20 -0700 David O'Donaghue I'm in Baltimore and have had season tickets to the symphony here for two years and Marin Alsop is fantastic. People love her here. She has given heart and spirit to the symphony and has connected so well with the audience. The musicians are also top-notch and the selections always a pleasure. David O'Donaghue http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954760 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954760&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954760 Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:12:40 -0600 Frances Nobert I heard the NY Phil with Marin Alsop as guest conductor October 11 in New York. It was a very successful, well received performance. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954544 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954544&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224954544 Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:09:04 -0600 Elaine Terrific article on Brico and Alsop! What a difference 50 years can make! I visit this site often. Keep up the good work! Elaine http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224456035 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224456035&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1224456035 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:40:35 -0600 Peggy Friedland thanks for a very informative piece about Doriot. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1217010943 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1217010943&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1217010943 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:35:43 -0600 Anna-Lise Santella Helen Kotas played principal French horn in the Chicago Symphony during the 1940s. She started playing with the Woman’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago while she was still in high school, and continued to play as first horn for them while Kotas attended the University of Chicago, from which she got a degree in psychology. She also played with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, where she played first horn. She met CSO conductor Frederick Stock through the early Grant Park Concerts, several of which were joint concerts between the Woman’s Symphony, the CSO and the Civic Opera orchestra (a forerunner of Chicago Lyric), which Stock conducted. Stock was a great champion of women musicians and was, I think, instrumental in getting Kotas into the orchestra. Prior to that, though, Stock recommended her to Stokowski for his All-American Youth Orchestra, which she played in for a while. She also played as a ringer for the CSO a number of times before getting a contract (in an interview she says she thinks this was around 1938), filling in for absences and playing sixth horn as needed. In an interview with my friend, musicologist Mark Clague, she said that the principal horn was frequently ill and when she was playing 6th horn, she was often called in to fill in on the principal part. She also played with Stokowski’s young people’s orchestra. At the time she was offered the CSO gig in 1941, she had just accepted the position of third horn in the Pittsburgh Symphony. They allowed her to get out of her contract and take the Chicago job. If I remember correctly, she was ultimately fired, in 1947, from the CSO when a new conductor came on the scene, probably because she was female (although that is, of course, speculation — but she wasn’t the only woman let go at the time). In interviews, at least later in her life, Kotas herself was ... ... http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1216047643 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1216047643&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1216047643 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:00:43 -0600 Jennifer Hello Susan, Just wanted to say hello, I am bassist/manager of the all female big band Ladies First. We are in Buffalo NY, been together 6 years. Orignaly formed with Fran Scharrett who was Alto saxophonist with the Phil Spilatalny all female band of the 40's out of NYC on a radio show and also traveled with Joy Caylor band with USO. She is still here in Bufflao, Not playing now, left our band at the age of 86! ENJOY Jennfier http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326682 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326682&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326682 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:58:02 -0600 Ev Susan You mentioned you wanted to know about women trumpet players. Well, I don't know how famous one must be to become featured, but I know of an interesting trumpet player from Traverse City, MI that I would like to mention. Jeannette Fehner is currently 87 yrs. of age and is still playing in two bands, two brass quintets, and an English style brass band in MI. She has been playing since she was ten, and has continued to play lead trumpet in all of the groups until just recently. She played in jazz bands in the Detroit area during WWII while most of the men were at war. Although trumpet playing was only an avocation, she had and continues to have a true passion for the instrument.(she was a college chemistry prof.) Recently she was awarded in Traverse City for her years in which she played taps for every veteran in the area. She also plays in church service every Sunday morning. Jeannette is just a little lady who has earned the respect of many northern MI musicians. Thought you might like to know about her. Ev http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326078 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326078&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1214326078 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:47:58 -0600 Nancy What an interesting site! I love your profiles of women musicians! Keep up the good work. http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1209932613 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1209932613&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1209932613 Sun, 04 May 2008 14:23:33 -0600 Joe Prentis Susan, This is a great and informative website that will bring visitors back again and again. Joe Prentis http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1202477635 http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1202477635&comments=comments http://www.susanfleet.com/guestbook/guestbook.php?entry_id=1202477635 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:33:55 -0700