[78-L] Susan Reed obit

[Royal Pemberton]

(Somewhat OT)  That big band programme might well be gearing up for a
tribute to one of Canada's finest jazz musicians, valve trombonist Rob
McConnell, who died yesterday:
http://www.ejazznews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=11273&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Rob McConnell, has died of cancer in a Toronto hospital on Saturday May 1.
Known primarily as the leader and arranger of the internationally renowned
Boss Brass, McConnell's arrangements for his band and numerous television
shows set a standard and defined the Canadian sound for big band music for
decades.

A unique musical voice, caustic wit and meticulous leadership on the
bandstand were just a few of McConnell's trademarks, after launching the
Boss Brass in the late 60s. Awards and honours for McConnell and the band
were numerous, with multiple Grammy nominations and a win for best jazz big
band in 1984 and three Juno awards in 1978, 1981 and 1984. In addition,
McConnell was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and
received the Order of Canada in 1998.

McConnell and the Boss Brass collaborated with many jazz greats over the
years including Mel Torme and The Singers Unlimited and the list of
musicians who played in the band reads like a who's who of Canadian jazz
luminaries: Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert, Don Thompson, and Guido Basso are just
a few.

On Mon, May 3, 2010 at 4:05 AM, Steven C. Barr <stevenc at interlinks.net>wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Banjo Bud" <banjobud at cfl.rr.com>
> > I personally do not believe for a moment that our vast collection
> > (accumulation?) of old 78's is in any danger as we leave this world
> > behind.
> > I think the age of the collector is irrelevant.  For instance, I was not
> > even a twinkle in my daddy's eye when Billy Murray recorded "Indianola,"
> > or
> > when Silas Leachman belted out "Ain't Dat A Shame," but I treasure these
> > items greatly.  And so do my sons!  After all, as time goes by, these
> > recordings only get rarer, and there will always be those that revere the
> > songs and singers of yore.  Yes, and the horse they rode in on!  I feel
> > that
> > there are many more collectors of the old disks today than there were in
> > my
> > somewhat jaded youth, and I firmly believe that there will be even more
> in
> > the future.
> > Just my thoughts.
> >
> I DO agree that virtually all of us 78 collectors don't collect out of
> nostalgia;
> after all, the last 78's were issued 1958-1960, which in turn means that
> the
> "average" original buyer is probably well into his/her/its sixties by
> now...?!
>
> OTOH, we are essentially ALL fans of the popular music and "jazz" of the
> 1900-4? period...?! And there is/are NO signs that the current contingent
> of music lovers are interested in any "old" music beyond the rock music
> of the sixties?! Here in Toronto, a "big band"-based radio program has
> gradually shifted its musical content to the (IMHO?!) uninteresting
> recordings of bands like 101 Strings et al...?! These bands are unarguably
> "big"...but the music does NOT compare to the hits which we call
> "big bands"...?!
>
> So, I have to wonder how many people will continue to want our
> accumulations...?! Keep in mind that machines capable of playing
> 78's are gradually becoming more expensive and harder to find
> (the ubiquitous USB-based players usually do NOT provide the
> 3-mil needle needed to play 78's...?!)!
>
> Comment ca va?!
>
> Steven C. Barr
>
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