Monday, January 29, 2007

Chico Chism's Funeral and Wake

Lynne Avril phoned to say that Chico's memorial will include the actual funeral service at the Rhythm Room. It will be a closed casket ceremony open to his many friends and fans. The doors open at 6 PM the funeral begins at 7:00 PM. Afterwards there will be one heck of a 'wake' Chico style, see below for the line up thus far.

FROM THE PHOENIX BLUES SOCIETY
SAD BLUES NEWS - CHICO CHISM
January 28, 2007

CHICO CHISM passed away this morning at 5:00 am at the Kivel Campus of Care in Phoenix. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 30th at the Rhythm Room, the club that he loved so much. There will be commentary, and a religious service led by Father Ron Poston, as well as photos and video of Chico, followed by a musical tribute by his many friends including:

The Flamekeepers
Big Pete Pearson
Lynne Avril
Bob Corritore
Nightshift Featuring The Chief & Tom Grills
George Bowman
Walkin' Cane Mark
Mike Howard
Matt Roe
Hans Olson
Blues Dinosaurs
Johnny Rapp
and many, many others not yet confirmed.

A repast of barbeque will be available for sale, proceeds from the sale will help pay for the funeral costs; other donations will be accepted at the door. Doors will open at 6pm. No smoking will be allowed indoors, although smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio.

(Arizona will never forget you, Chico. We're so grateful that you made the Valley your home and let us experience your magic. Bob Corritore, thank you for bringing Chico into our lives here in the Valley of the Sun. "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot, Magic Never Dies.")

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Chico Chism-Rest in Peace



Chico Chism died, Bob Corritore just sent out the information on Chico in the following paragraphs. The photo to the left is a fairly recent (10/2006) photo of Chico Chism with Walkin' Cane Mark. The very first time I ever saw Chico, he was a guest singer at Walkin' Cane Mark's Christmas Party at the Blue Note on McDowell; many, many, many years ago. You can go to Chico's myspace http://www.myspace.com/chicodrumschism and listen to 4 of his great songs. You can also read a recent Niki D'Andrea Phoenix New Times article on Chico at Phoenix New Times.

Lowell
------------------------------------
From Bob Corritore (01-28-07)

"Chico Chism May 23, 1927 – January 28, 2007 – Rest In Peace: Our beloved Chico Chism left us this morning around 5am. Since his 2002 stroke, Chico’s health had been gradually deteriorating. He spent this last week in a very weak state, unable to get out of bed. But he found much joy in his many visitors this last week. His last few days were spent mostly peacefully sleeping. Chico never appeared in pain. He is survived by his daughter, Audrey, who was able to visit her father earlier this week from Chicago. He was 79 years old. Phoenix will never be the same without our blues cheerleader. We have all been profoundly touched by this beautiful person."

“I’m the house rocker and the show stopper, the woman’s pet and the man’s threat. I’m Chico, the Boogie Man.” – Chico Chism

Bob Corritore will pay tribute to Chico Chism tonight on KJZZ Phoenix, 91.5FM, and will re-air an interview with Chico from 2004. You can listen online at www.kjzz.org.

Memorial service information forthcoming.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

KCAC tapes & personal recollections

Hi everyone-

The treasure trove of KCAC tapes provided by Jeff & Jennifer Crawford is still languishing in my living room. The tapes have been carefully removed from the moldy/dirty boxes, and they are now kept in clean plastic storage bags while I explore options for preservation and copying. So far no less than three recording studios have said something along the lines of "we can't do this but you should check with...", and only one has provided even a rough idea of cost ($100 per hour of studio time and "count on it being a fairly lengthy effort"). There's also a less ambitious/less expensive alternative being looked at, which would involve some professional tape cleaning, a home tape deck (probably mine) for playback, and speed correction software to slow the resulting audio down to the proper 1 7/8 IPS speed. Be patient and stay tuned; this is worth doing right the first time.

Here's a new idea. Everybody please start writing down your personal stories and memories relevant to this historical project. How did you get involved with KCAC/KDKB? What were your responsibilities or associations? Who did you know or work with at the station? How did you meet? What significant dates or events in the stations' history can you recall? Got any behind-the-scenes stories? (Not gossip or dirt, just operationl/business stuff that the public didn't necessarily see or know about. Or hey, gossip and dirt, if you prefer - there must have been personality conflicts, "creative differences," power struggles, etc. going on.) How did these radio stations influence, interact with, or reflect the socio-political mood of the times (anti-war activism, womens' lib, free speech movements, other alternative media, etc.)? What sorts of contacts and relationships did KCAC/KDKB have with the "straight" media of the day (Arizona Republic, local TV, other radio stations, etc.)? What did KCAC/KDKB do to support local musicians and artists? What was the drug scene like in those days? (Don't worry, the statute of limitations has long since expired.) What was most important to you about these radio stations and the people associated with them? How do you feel about them with 30-plus years of hindsight? And so on, and so forth. Respond to these topics and/or any others you want to, on the blog or as private emails to me at tomwright666@yahoo.com. These will all go into the archive, either with your names attached or as "anonymous" contributions if you prefer. Park yourself in front of the computer and get to work!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Mikel Lander, Tommy Dukes Band... Live! 4 Ariz.

Thanks Lowell, Mariah and Rich... and every body else trying to get the word out...
Its great to see such support for local bands...
and for these other local [?] culture heros here... at the KCAC blog.

I'm reposting the the missing post i received via Jim Glass...
With the corrections that followed.... from Ya'll
and yes! Please feel free to verify this for yourself...
before you buy your plane ticket!

Wednesday the 24th – The Rhythm Room 7pm to close
FUNDRAISER for Mikel Lander Going to Memphis !!!

Thursday the 25th – The Rhythm Room 7pm to close
FUNDRAISER for Tommy Dukes Band Going to Memphis !!!
Many special performers!!


Sunday the 28th – ALICE COOPERSTOWN “Blues @ Coops” RESCHEDULED
1st St. & Jackson, Phoenix, AZ
ALL AGES - ALL DAY - $5 min Donation – 2pm to Close
FUNDRAISER for Tommy Dukes Band and Mikel Lander Going to Memphis !!!
Representing ARIZONA in the International Blues Challenge
Sponsor: Independent Events and The Phoenix Blues Society
MYSPACE LINK

Band LINE-UP:
2:00 - 2:40 KC Blues Band
KC Article: Area teen guitarist wowing fans
http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/clicktrack/email.php/6416746
2:40 - 2:55 Kevin C. Solo
2:55 - 3:35 Sistah Blue
3:35 - 3:50 Mikel Lander
3:50 - 4:30 Tommy Dukes & the Soul Kings
4:30 - 4:45 Mikel Lander
4:45 - 5:25 Tom Walbank & the Ambassadors (Mikel siting in)
5:30 - 6:10 J. Powers Band
6:10 - 6:25 Mikel Lander
6:25 - 7:05 Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns & Big Daddy D
7:10 - 7:50 Sage Gentle-Wing and Runaway Train
8:00 - 8:40 Honeyboy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players




Visit the Band: www.coldshott.com

Band MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/coldshottandthehurricanehorns

Buy the CD: http://cdbaby.com/cd/coldshott

Member: The Phoenix Blues Society

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Correction on Tommy Dukes Benefit Dates

From COLD SHOTT'S Rich Brydle:
There are two fundraisers for Tommy Dukes:
- Thursday the 25th at The Rhythm Room
- Sunday January 28th (NOT 24th....what was I thinking!) at CoopersTown.
Rich

***Exciting New Blog Feature***

KCAC LIVES RATES THIS EVENT 15 STARS PLUS PLUTO

"BE THERE AND BECOME PURPLE, PARALLEL AND CLAIRVOYANT"

Thursday, January 18, 2007

'THE LIST' JANUARY 18, 2007

To tune your computer to Radio Free Phoenix, click the headline above and OPEN the stream file when presented with options. Dial-up streams will be in mono on both channels.

"We are not gathered here to find a purpose - The Purpose has found us and gathered us together here."

"NEW FEATURE! Click here to email your party invitation or other communications to everyone on "The List" at the same time!"

~
Adams, Lynne
Alves, Jack
Apicella, John
Arizona Music Hall Of Fame
Arnold, Linda
Bailey, Jim
Baldwin, Mike
Baldwin, Russ
Beals,Ken
Bowen, Ray
Bell, Bob Boze
Bennett, Fran
Bentley, Connie
Bethancourt, Joe
Botkin, Jim
Boyle, Liz AMEHOF Board
Bradychocks, Julie
Cahal, John (Rebirth) (private - contact vagabondvet)
Carroll, Todd
Carter, Marsha
Carver, Sue
Clark, Doug
Collins, Michael
Compton, Bill (Deceased)
Compton-Glenn, Carole
Cookenboo, Hank (Deceased)
Covington, Dan
Crazy (Jan Isbell)(Deceased)
Curry. Robert S.
Curtis, Mike
Davis, Marc (Terros)
DeGray, Helen
Deerhake, David
Dickinson, Ted
Dixon, John (Johnny D)
Drake George F. (Springfield, Mass?)
Dunn, Bob
Emery, Vince
English, Alton
English, Jerry "Magic"
Fenimore, David
Flannigan, Julie
Fleming, Mariah AMEHOF Secretary/Treasurer
Frank, Bruce (Rebirth)
Frank, Raman (Rebirth)
Frank, Gregg (Rebirth - Contact Bruce Frank)
Friedman, Barry
Frieflander, Karen
Galindo, Alicia
Gant, Pegi {Cookenboo}
Garneau, Joe (Rebirth) (Deceased)
Garneau, Larry (Rebirth) (Deceased)
Garneau, Michelle (Rebirth) (private - contact vagabondvet)
Gately, Bill (Deceased)
Gately, Bob
Geist, Barry (Rebirth)
Goodman, Mike
Grieger, Kathy (Rebirth)
Harris, Ron (Eric) 'Pappa'
Harris, Sue Fenner
Harshberger, Dan
Herbert, Kimmer
Holmes, Chuck
Hoyle, Rich
Johnson, Don
Johnson, June
Johnson, Mike (Rebirth)
Jones, Scott
Kerr, Jon
Kinsey, Gary "Toad Hall" (Deceased)
Kinsey, Filipa
Kitchell, Nancy
Kollassa, Mike
Koors, Tim
Kothrade, Michael (Rebirth)
Lange, Patrick
Lederman, Cindy
Lehr, Bob
Magahern, Jimmy
Manning, Marty
Martin, Peter
McBroom, Dennis
McCarty, Chris
McCarty, Steve
Meighan, Bob
Mell, Ed
Migdoll, Susan
Moody, Kim (Alwun House)
Morrison, Barbara
Murray, Jim
Nadworney, Nina "Nina Joy"
Niccolson, Scott
Norton, Virginia
Nussbaum,Belle "Belle Starr"
Nykanan, Mark
Olson, Andy
Olson, Hans
P.J.
Paceley, Ken
Page, Daniel "vagabondvet" (Rebirth)
Peterson, Linda (Rebirth)
Peterson, Marsha
Porter, Sharon Elaine
Powell, Lee
Price, Bill
Pyle, Slagge T.
Radina, Kathy
Rameesh
Robb, Gary (Deceased)
Robertson, John (Crazy John)
Robinson, Duane (Rebirth)
Rogers, Bob
Rogers, Rich
Roland. Ed
Schneider, Sue
Shaw, Russell "Wonderful Russ"
Schecter, Eric
Skaggs, Ken - AMEHOF Vice President
Slagle, Bonnie
Smith, Doug
Smith, Erica
Soderquist, George (Deceased)
Soderquist, Skio
Stratton, Ted
Sussman, Terri AMEHOF President
Sweet, Cheryl
Thomson, Betty
Thomson, Ray
Thompson, Linda
Thrift, Bill (Terros)
Tindle, Dwight(Deceased)
Usry, Kent
Vascocu, Tommy
Wakefield, Ken
Wales, Lissa (Deceased)
Webb, Kevin "Do It Now" (Deceased)
Whitener, Kasey
Wortham, Ron
Wright, Tom
Zelisko, Dan

Please leave a comment to this post to have information added, updated, edited or deleted. Clicking hyperlinked (underlined) names will launch an email to that person.
Have a great day!

If you are an anonymous poster or reader and would like to be added to The List, please drop a line to freespeak@gmail.com or anyone contributing to KCAC Lives! to be added. The List has become a reference point for memories and emails to old friends. It also has become kind of a Social Register and will be something of a reference list for reunions and such in the future. Not only that, SOMEONE - maybe someone special from the old days, MAY be trying to find YOU.

So... let us know who you are, where your memories or interests tie in and what your email address is. Get on the bus. We don't know where its going and it may NEVER leave but the music is great and the people are fun!

G00GLE EARTH/GooGLE MOON/GOOgle CLEMENTINE

Hi all..

Out of the hospital but not out of the woods. I am now officially and by definition, a Cyborg. Part Man, part Machine.

Amazing it is, to become a part of the sci-fi stories I read prior to 1960. But here I am with a Pacemaker in my chest, telling my heart not to slow down to less than 60 BPM............not even for the s-l-o-w dances

Not much to add to the plethora of new KCAC info uncovered by Tom and other show-me-the-money realists here, so I shall attempt to capture your imagination instead, with a fantasy. Tom and I have reached agreement on one subject though.... GWB is most definately God and must be worshiped for his Wisdom

~~~~~~~~

You are at 60,000 feet in an airliner - several miles in the sky over desolate terrain. Empty, dry desert with lotsa rocks below. Your eyes stray to a Mesa ot Plateau below and the shape you see sets off buzzers in your head. What is that? A skillet? An egg poacher? Part of a Rolex watch? The top of a submarine?



For even more fun, GOOgle CLEMENTINE

Click the headline.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

"26 Men" and Phoenix's Cudia City Studios



As mentioned by Tom Wright in an earlier posting, some old TV shows were filmed at the Cuda City Studios, which was a 2-street Western set at 40th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix, Arizona. The TV series "26 Men" was filmed at this studio in the late '50's, and on location around Camelback Mountain, the Superstition Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, and other desert areas. I ordered the 3-volume DVD set of "26 Men" and having been watching some of the shows in the past few days; it's pretty neat seeing the Arizona and Phoenix-area scenery back in those days. Above are a couple of screen captures, can any reader recognize the scenery? :o) You can click on the photograph for a bigger view.

The DVD covers says "26 Men is based on the real life exploits of the Arizona Rangers, who were commissioned to clean up the outlaw territory in preparation for statehood."

There's one episode where Robert Blake plays a young outlaw, his family just kidnapped a young girl; and Robert Blake says to the girl, "You're prettier than a pearl handle pistol." I'm sure that line would be just as effective today at any of the local club scenes.

But as Marty Manning mentioned in a previous posting, the Cudia City Studios burned to the ground in 1967.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Is That A Monkey in My Tree??

A friend and former photo student of my husband Ray Bowen called us tonight from Calcutta. He sent us a link to photos he has taken on his remarkable journey back home to India. We thought you might enjoy the vicarious thrill of another way of life.

He had been unable to send anything to us until now because there were no computer hookups available throughout the various destinations on his trip. Imagine! The last shots are of a great Buddhist Temple where he found an elephant inside.

Brought to you by the God Is Alive Magic Is Afoot crowd here at KCAC Lives! Enjoy!
http://www.rahulwho.com/previews/helen/

Sunday, January 07, 2007

ALWUN HOUSE Exotic Art Show


Alwun House 24th Exotic Art Show: over 70 artists, coast to coast showcase personal art “far beyond the ordinary…’exotic.’” Works in a variety of media and stylistic interpretations; expanding the envelope with eye-popping uninhibited creative passions. Arizona’s Valentine tradition. Annual fundraiser for the legendary Alwun House Foundation, downtown's leading-edge non-profit arts organization since 1971.


FEB 13 - MAR 16 24th Exotic Art Exhibit
Viewing: Tue-Fri, 12-6pm. $4. (members free)
Mature subject matter; under 18 must be accompanied by adult
1204 E Roosevelt, Phoenix
www.alwunhouse.org




SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Eye-popping performances at the Casbah!
All Events: door opens at 7pm. Performances 8pm.
Mature Subject Matter, 21 and over.
Advance Discount Tickets: www.alwunhouse.org


FEB 9: Exotic Sneak Preview
Arizona’s original phantasmagorical multi-media theatrical experience at the Casbah, 70 artist’s uninhibited exotic fantasies on two floors, three stages of exotic entertainment, complimentary delectable buffet.

FEB 16: Erotic Poetry & Music Festivus
Titillating witty wordsmiths and musicians, out-of-the-box, over-the-top performances, impassion the muse beyond the ordinary. Stage transformed into the Casbah. Hookah’s, delectable exotic treats and drinks.

MAR 16: Spring Ball Climax
Rock The Casbah. Performances by uninhibited ritual dance companies. A Costume Dance Celebration with Spring Nymphs. Dress to dance to world class DJ’s.



Alwun House Foundation non-profit arts organization, downtown’s arts pioneer gallery and artspace.

MORE SMOKE! MORE FIRE! MORE GOLD!

Liz Boyle has worked with this gentleman and attests to his legitimacy. Sometimes while panning for gold dust, we wash up a nuggett or two.

This one's a "Lunker"
Ronco
~~~~~~~

from Eric Schecter
subject KCAC/KDKB


Hi,
Not sure if you are the admin of the KCAC site, but I saw this email address a few times on the blog page.

I haven't figured out how those things work...but anyway, let me get to the point:
I spent many years in Phx as Chief Engineer for KDKB, KMLE, etc., but moved to Sandy Eggo a couple of years back.

Whilst going thru some items, I discovered I have a DAT (remember those?) master tape I put together of a KDKB's "Forum" show from June, 1977. It was originally given to me on cassetter by Mike Ferguson who operated a Flagstaff translator back in the day.

Anyway...this is a really interesting show..it was a roundtable of guests on the radio the day after Bill Compton passed away. This audio needs to be archived and shared!

Please let me know how I can pass it on to you for posting on the site.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Eric
KC7ES
----------------------------------
Eric B. Schecter
San Diego, CA.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DAN.. I have had a total crash and am sucking pickles. I am adding Eric to The List. Could you send him an invite?

Ronco

Saturday, January 06, 2007

"Arizona Heat," the movie: How's your memory?

I was watching the "Arizona Heat" movie filmed on location in Phoenix and Scottsdale back in 1987, starring Michael Parks and Denise Crosby. I recognize a lot of the local scenes and some of the bar scenes, like the ones that were filmed at Warsaw Wally's and Mr. Lucky's. But there were a few places that I didn't recognize and thought maybe some KCAC/KDKB blogger might know since you all seem to have great memories. The places that were mentioned in the credits were the (1) Sands Resort Hotel, (2) Sylvester's Sizzling Catfish Restaurant and the Serendipity Cocktail Lounge. I assume these places are no longer around as I couldn't google any information on them, and hope that one of you readers might have some information of where they were, or what might be in those buildings now.

Anybody remember this movie being filmed here? There's a pretty exciting car chase in the desert somewhere. Some pretty funny dialog also I thought.

Terri, as you requested I'll pass this DVD on to you, the next time I see you.

Friday, January 05, 2007

IMPORTANT PROJECT: THE KCAC/KDKB TIMELINE!


IT'S ALL RELATIVE according to Albert and the truth is, the older I get - the more relative it becomes. Little by little I am losing it. We ALL are, we just don't notice at times.

I BELIEVE my arrival in Phoenix at the Sunnyslope house on Peoria (now a parking lot) was in the early summer of 1968. But it may have been 1969. I went to work at KOY in night news at about that time but honestly boys and girls, I am lost and becoming loster. Before I conjugate to lostED or lostEST, I need some feedback from those of you who were not so caught up in the quest for better drugs, food, clothing, shelter and sex at the time, that you actually remember WHEN it was and WHO and WHERE you were.

I figure if I can assemble some ACTUAL DATES within a week or two of the time they actually occured, I can donate the finished product and will also help Tom as he re-constructs whatever-the-hell it was that we did back then.


HERE ARE SOM KEY EVENTS ON THE TIMELINE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(significant music mentioned as mile markers)

1. "Little Willie Sunshine is born and Bill Comton takes over KRUX underground from Ray Thomson.
"Beginnings" by Chicago
CCR Live Concert in Phoenix.


2. Family (Bill, Hank, Pegi, June & Ron) moves to Scottsdale house near Shea blvd."
"God is Alive, Magic is Afoot - Buffy St. Marie 1969
"The Great Mandella" - Theodore Bikel (1970) 1969 PROMO.
Space Cowboy - Steve Miller Band, JUNE 1969


3. Bill, Ray & Ron move to Starbright Ranch off 43rd Ave. in Laveen
"Gimme Shelter" - Stones
"Soft Parade" - Doors

4. Ron leaves Starbright, KCAC & etc. to go travelling.
"Abbey Road" - Beatles
"Ramble On" Led Zepplin IV


5. Bill Compton dies in auto accident - JUNE 21ST,1977 (?) LIGHTNING BOLT CAUSES 24-HOUR BLACKOUT IN N.Y.C.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You get the idea. The experiences and the music grouped together create the actual timeline.

HELP US FILL IN THE BLANKS!
as you REMEMBER THEM as accurately as you can, attest to WITH DATES as nearly as you can, please email me at

freespeak@gmail.com

I will share yor message with Tom and others working on these archives. I will also assemble the EVENTS along with the DATES right here on this posting and then update it like "The List" for not only Tom to refer to, but everyone else as well. You'll be amazed what you remember, just reading someon else's version.

YOU WILL BE QUOTED AS THE SOURCE for your memory so be prepared for arguments from those of us who were hallucinating!

WHO AND WHERE WERE YOU in 1968 - 1977?

Ronco

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Call for Photos!

OK, everybody, while I deal with the latest batch of KCAC tapes, here's what I'd like you to do: go through your closets, attics, basements, garages, cabinets, desks, scrapbooks, whatever and FIND STILL PHOTOS (or home movies) of the old KCAC/KDKB staff! Photos taken "on the job" (at the studios or at public events) would be best, but any photos related to the radio stations and their staffs would be helpful. Provenienced photos (i.e., labeled in some way to identify what the photo shows, who took it, where, and when) are especially valuable. Anybody know if professional-quality photos taken for newspaper/magazine articles, press releases, etc. still exist? What about the original negative (or a good-quality print) of the famous "group" photo posted on the blog?

I'm not necessarily asking you to send me any photos at this time (although digital scans would be welcome); just search for photos, and let me know via email (tomwright666@yahoo.com) or on the blog what you've come up with. The photos will ultimately be archived along with the tapes and whatever else we can come up with. Our goal is to use this archive to write a book-length account of alternative radio and the counterculture in the Phoenix area in the late 60s/early 70s. One friend of mine even suggests approaching KAET (Channel 8) to see if they could use this material for a half-hour or hour-long documentary, centered around the dramatic 4th of July tape and (if they can be found) the 1974 videotapes of Bill Compton. (Channel 8 has done a number of other films about various aspects of Arizona history and culture, so why not give it a try?)

We're gaining momentum on this project, so now is the time to search your personal archives and see what you can contribute to the effort. I'm also hoping to send out an online questionnaire sometime soon, since individual or group interviews are tough (if not logistically impossible) to arrange. This would be a good way get everybody's input. So keep checking the blog and stay in touch!

Tom

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Tape Cache

Holy shit. Hole Lee Shit! Last night I was handed a box containing 23 reel-to-reel tapes of KCAC (and maybe some early KDKB) broadcasts. I haven't had time yet to thoroughly examine them; in fact I only listened to a few minutes each of 4 tapes, but they appear to be mostly KCAC, and mostly talk and public affairs programming (not much music). Some of the tapes are in great condition, others are water-damaged and moldy, some are on broken or warped reels, and one is a hideous spaghetti tangle that will take a whole lotta love to salvage. The moldy ones (at least 5 of the 23) may need professional cleaning and restoration, and the spaghetti tangle may have to be sliced-and-diced by someone with good tape editing skills. Also, all but one of the tapes I've sampled so far were recorded at 1.75 IPS (or whatever the slowest speed on reel-to-reel tape decks was in those days). My tape deck only goes down to 3.75 IPS so most of what I heard was Alvin & the Chipmunks-style speeded-up gibberish, but even at that speed I could recognize Bill Compton's voice. We'll need to either find a machine that can play the tapes back at their correct speed, or use computer software that can do speed-correction (I'm told that such software exists, though I know nothing else about it).

I think all of the reels will be salvageable, but it's going to take some time and possibly some money for professional help. I'll check into this (there is at least one company here in Tempe that might be able to do tape restoration), but in the meantime, please contact me if you have the time, equipment, and expertise to help bring these ancient tapes back to life, or if you have any advice on how to do so. Best to contact me off-blog, at tomwright666@yahoo.com.

My heartfelt thanks to Jeff Crawford of Phoenix for hanging on to these tapes for so many years, recognizing their importance, and lending them to me for preservation and restoration. He runs a video production company and has a library of thousands of concerts and videos. Check out his website at www.bohemiavisualmusic.com.

I'll keep you posted via the blog.

Monday, January 01, 2007

All that Jazz (and all that Jazz) from Bob Rogers


Before KVIL and Bill and Hank and Pegi and Carole and KCAC - I was at WRR in Dallas playing a lot of Blues and Jazz. I was even a stringer for Downbeat Magazine and did a multitude of interviews with Cannonball and Nat Adderly, Roland Kirk, Lou Rawls, and etc. I even got to emcee shows by Louis Armstrong (who had the warmest smile and handshake, ever).

Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wlson and others were part of the scene and life would have been perfect except for the usual adjustments of life and spouses.

So, it is a great read, when you get a Crusaders Newsletter from an old friend like Bob Rogers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Today's Editiion:

You Say You Want an Evolution
Bob Rogers

“I can’t stand conservatism in Jazz. That’s an absurd concept because if it’s not constantly changing, it’s not art. So a young player coming up today trying to sound like they’re from the 1920s or 1950s and pretending everything afterwards doesn’t exist is just being insincere and it will be apparent in the music. The other thing I don’t like is hearing a bunch of old people putting down younger musicians, claiming they don’t have “wisdom” or “seasoning” in their playing or some other such nonsense. Some people become better musicians with age, some become worse, but the one thing youth has is idealism and (hopefully) optimism. These attributes are priceless, and I’ll take a young player with energy and joy over a seasonal old bitter musician any day.”

Travis Shook
Cadence: the Review of Jazz & Blues: Creative Improvised Music
March 2006

I thought I heard
Buddy Bolden shout,
Open up that window
and let that bad air out.
Open up that window
and let that foul air out.

Yes, I thought I heard
Buddy Bolden say.

Jelly Roll Morton


The International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) meeting will convene its 34th annual convention in New York in a few days. In terms of the number of attendees, it is the world’s largest convocation of jazz advocates. It is also one of the very few “in-person” venues in existence for people engaged in the promulgation of jazz programming on the radio (another being the annual JazzWeek Summit). One of the upcoming IAJE panels is, “Jazz Radio In Crisis: Why That’s A Good Thing.”

As I write this I am sitting at home in North Carolina, listening to WFUV/New York’s Sunday night program, The Big Broadcast, where a 1920’s recording entitled, “Take Me To The Land of Jazz” is playing. Does that 1920s song sound archaic to me? Kind of, but maybe not so much.

I am listening on my computer, which I increasingly regard as my primary receiver. My choices are now global, soon to be easily portable to my car and to my pocket. I am forming a general awareness of what I consider my best choices for listening at any given time. For now, if it’s Sunday night and I’m at home writing and listening to the “radio,” it’s ‘FUV for me. At other times it’s other programs, but it’s always my station, whose programming I am constantly revising as I learn of other options that appeal to me. You are likely having some variation of the same experience.

Until recently I felt lucky to live in a market where there are two full-time jazz stations. That’s still nice but it’s less important than it used to be. What’s really important is to pay the broadband access bill. Now that I have global access and program choice, why should I settle for less? I am elated to have a radio station that is programmed by me, for me, one that can I can easily construct from a content bank of unprecedented range and scope. Life is good!

Music presentations served up in a half-assed manner used to deeply offend me. Luckily, I no longer have to put up with that. If I suspect that the program host doesn’t really know and love the music they present, or if I view them as mere functionaries of a station’s branding efforts, I’ll see you later. Good stations don’t exist in my world, only good programs. A station can put all the effort it wants into establishing its identity to me, but I may not even be aware of those efforts. Really, I’m just looking for good and unique programs with which to construct my own station - the listener as aggregator. That’s my reality.

Music programming in public radio has yielded broadcast hours to talk radio for each of the past several years; the trend continues. For those in jazz programming, that’s one aspect of the crisis (another being jazz radio’s apparent inability to garner a younger audience). It is quite obvious that the landscape is rapidly changing.

I’m happy about our situation in jazz radio because there is nothing so liberating as removing the dead weight of, “That’s how we do it.” It’s the spirit so refreshingly exemplified by the quotation above by jazz pianist Travis Shook (b. 1969). When I read Mr. Shook’s comments, I laughed out loud! When the young don’t occasionally tell the old how it is, there’s trouble afoot and we’re headed for the museum, as exhibits. Thankfully, that’s not yet the case; creative improvised music is very much alive. Respect is a two-way street; good for the old, good for the young. When it only runs one way it’s nothing but oppression and useless, dead weight. Jelly Roll Morton knew that.

Jazz radio has its problems but it also has its opportunities, many of which lie in new approaches to programming and having the whole world in which to apply them. I have very definite ideas about how to proceed from here. I also feel that my ideas are at least as good as anyone else’s (and a closely-held conviction that they’re considerably better). Perhaps you feel the same way about some of your ideas. In the brave new world of “the long tail,” maybe we’re both right! The possibilities make one whistle while one works. So, what’s not to celebrate?

Bob Rogers
2816 Barmettler Street
Raleigh, NC 27607
WSHA - www.wshafm.org
Bouille & Rogers Consultants
email: rwsfin@hotmail.com
phone: (919) 413-4126

Most popular first names

A few weeks ago I read in the paper where the most popular baby names for 2006 were Angel, Daniel, Anthony, Jacob and Jose for boys; and Mia, Emily, Isabella, Emma and Ashley for girls. After seeing the list of names posted below for the KCAC community, I was curious what the most popular names were for that "generation." In case you too are curious, the answer is as follows:

Males:
Bob/Robert (7)
Mike/Michael (7)
John (5)
Jim/Jimmy(4)
Ken (4)
Bill (4)

Females:
Sue/Susan (4)
Linda (3)
Marsha (2)
Julie (2)
Kathy (2)
Marsha (2)

Yes I know, a really dumb way to start the new year. So please, no "get a life" comments. :o)

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ THE LIST ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ 01/01/2007

To tune your computer to Radio Free Phoenix, click the headline above and OPEN the stream file when presented with options. Dial-up streams will be in mono on both channels.

"We are not gathered here to find a purpose - The Purpose has found us and gathered us together here."

"NEW FEATURE! Click here to email your party invitation or other communications to everyone on "The List" at the same time!"

~
Adams, Lynne
Alves, Jack
Apicella, John
Arizona Music Hall Of Fame
Arnold, Linda
Bailey, Jim
Baldwin, Mike
Baldwin, Russ
Beals,Ken
Bowen, Ray
Bell, Bob Boze
Bennett, Fran
Bentley, Connie
Bethancourt, Joe
Botkin, Jim
Boyle, Liz AMEHOF Board
Bradychocks, Julie
Cahal, John (Rebirth) (private - contact vagabondvet)
Carroll, Todd
Carter, Marsha
Carver, Sue
Clark, Doug
Collins, Michael
Compton, Bill (Deceased)
Compton-Glenn, Carole
Cookenboo, Hank (Deceased)
Covington, Dan
Crazy (Jan Isbell)(Deceased)
Curry. Robert S.
Curtis, Mike
Davis, Marc (Terros)
DeGray, Helen
Deerhake, David
Dickinson, Ted
Dixon, John (Johnny D)
Drake George F. (Springfield, Mass?)
Dunn, Bob
Emery, Vince
English, Alton
English, Jerry "Magic"
Fenimore, David
Flannigan, Julie
Fleming, Mariah AMEHOF Secretary/Treasurer
Frank, Bruce (Rebirth)
Frank, Raman (Rebirth)
Frank, Gregg (Rebirth - Contact Bruce Frank)
Friedman, Barry
Frieflander, Karen
Galindo, Alicia
Gant, Pegi {Cookenboo}
Garneau, Joe (Rebirth) (Deceased)
Garneau, Larry (Rebirth) (Deceased)
Garneau, Michelle (Rebirth) (private - contact vagabondvet)
Gately, Bill (Deceased)
Gately, Bob
Geist, Barry (Rebirth)
Goodman, Mike
Grieger, Kathy (Rebirth)
Harris, Ron (Eric) 'Pappa'
Harris, Sue Fenner
Harshberger, Dan
Herbert, Kimmer
Holmes, Chuck
Hoyle, Rich
Johnson, Don
Johnson, June
Johnson, Mike (Rebirth)
Jones, Scott
Kerr, Jon
Kinsey, Gary "Toad Hall" (Deceased)
Kinsey, Filipa
Kitchell, Nancy
Kollassa, Mike
Koors, Tim
Kothrade, Michael (Rebirth)
Lange, Patrick
Lederman, Cindy
Lehr, Bob
Magahern, Jimmy
Manning, Marty
Martin, Peter
McBroom, Dennis
McCarty, Chris
McCarty, Steve
Meighan, Bob
Mell, Ed
Migdoll, Susan
Moody, Kim (Alwun House)
Morrison, Barbara
Murray, Jim
Nadworney, Nina "Nina Joy"
Niccolson, Scott
Norton, Virginia
Nussbaum,Belle "Belle Starr"
Nykanan, Mark
Olson, Andy
Olson, Hans
P.J.
Paceley, Ken
Page, Daniel "vagabondvet" (Rebirth)
Peterson, Linda (Rebirth)
Peterson, Marsha
Porter, Sharon Elaine
Powell, Lee
Price, Bill
Pyle, Slagge T.
Radina, Kathy
Rameesh
Robb, Gary (Deceased)
Robertson, John (Crazy John)
Robinson, Duane (Rebirth)
Rogers, Bob
Rogers, Rich
Roland. Ed
Schneider, Sue
Shaw, Russell "Wonderful Russ"
Schecter, Eric
Skaggs, Ken - AMEHOF Vice President
Slagle, Bonnie
Smith, Doug
Smith, Erica
Soderquist, George (Deceased)
Soderquist, Skio
Stratton, Ted
Sussman, Terri AMEHOF President
Sweet, Cheryl
Thomson, Betty
Thomson, Ray
Thompson, Linda
Thrift, Bill (Terros)
Tindle, Dwight(Deceased)
Usry, Kent
Vascocu, Tommy
Wakefield, Ken
Wales, Lissa (Deceased)
Webb, Kevin "Do It Now" (Deceased)
Whitener, Kasey
Wortham, Ron
Wright, Tom
Zelisko, Dan

Please leave a comment to this post to have information added, updated, edited or deleted. Clicking hyperlinked (underlined) names will launch an email to that person.
Have a great day!

If you are an anonymous poster or reader and would like to be added to The List, please drop a line to freespeak@gmail.com or anyone contributing to KCAC Lives! to be added. The List has become a reference point for memories and emails to old friends. It also has become kind of a Social Register and will be something of a reference list for reunions and such in the future. Not only that, SOMEONE - maybe someone special from the old days, MAY be trying to find YOU.

So... let us know who you are, where your memories or interests tie in and what your email address is. Get on the bus. We don't know where its going and it may NEVER leave but the music is great and the people are fun!