General Press Release
Scott Black has put together a multi-media presentation dealing with the history
of jazz of the 1920’s, with a focus on the life of Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke. The life
story of this jazz age giant is an often told tale and the subject of many books
since his early death in 1931. However, his story has been flawed by the many
false stories added to his personal as well as professional life.
These tall tales have been embellished over the years by other writers, each
putting their own spin on certain events which never happened in the first
place! The result has left us with a sad picture of a tortured genius, a shame to
his family and community. He could only find comfort from his paternal and
social rejection by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. None of which is true.
For twenty years, Black was a close friend and assistant to famed researcher
and writer, Philip R. Evans. Phil Evans was internationally known to have
amassed the largest collection of information and artifacts ever gathered on Bix
Beiderbecke, which began in 1954 and continued until his death in 1999. Soon
after Evans’ death, his widow Linda turned Phil’s huge collection over to Scott
Black. Since that time, Black has been working on a massive book about Bix
Beiderbecke that will be unlike any that have published before. This book will be
in the exact words of those who were with Bix during his lifetime, with no
opinions or assumptions being made. This information comes directly from over
1000 hours of taped interviews and many thousands of letters.
The idea of this presentation came to Black while listening to (and transcribing)
the boxes of old tapes, recorded in the old Reel-to-reel format. These interviews
include many of the childhood friends of Bix, who grew up with him in Davenport,
Iowa. Recollections were gathered of Bix that go back to his pre-school days.
These audio tape recordings even have interviews given by Bix’s kindergarten
and third grade teachers who taught Bix at the Tyler Elementary School. The
school was located directly across the street from the Beiderbecke home,
located at 1934 Grand Avenue, in Davenport.
The jazz musicians who gave their voice to Bix’s story include: LOUIS
ARMSTRONG, JACK TEAGARDEN, BING CROSBY, JEAN GOLDKETTE, PAUL
WHITEMAN, FRANK TRUMBAUER, PAUL MERTZ, WILLIAM “BILL” CHALLIS (close
friend and arranger for both the Goldkette and Whiteman Orchestras), NEWELL
“SPIEGLE” WILLCOX, FERDE GROFE, JACK FULTON, STANLEY “DOC” RYKER”, JOE
VENUTI, CHAUNCEY MOREHOUSE, FRANK SIGNORELLI, NICK La ROCCA, WILLIAM
“BILL” RANK, CHARLES MARGULIS, WILBUR HALL, CHESTER HAZLETT, CHARLES
STRICKFADDEN, ROY BARGY, MATTY MALNECK, AL RINKER, BEN SELVIN, KURT
DIETERLE, IRVING FRIEDMAN, JIMMY McPARTLAND, EDDIE CONDON, ARTIE SHAW,
LOUIS BLACK, ROY MAYER, OTTO LANDAU, ESTEN SPURRIER, WAYNE ROLFE, ART
HODES, PHIL DOOLEY, LARRY ANDREWS, EDWIN “SQUIRREL” ASHCRAFT, SMITH
BALLEW, FRED BERGIN, HOAGY CARMICHAEL, FRANK CUSH, SPENCER CLARK,
“WILD BILL” DAVISON, RUTH SCHAFFNER (Bix’s Girlfriend – 1925-26). This is only
a partial listing of those who speak on these audio tapes. Also included in this
collection are old “Reel-to-reel” audio tapes recorded in the early 1960’s that
were made at the annual reunions of the PAUL WHITEMAN ORCHESTRA, held at
the home of legendary composer and arranger – FERDE GROFE. These reunions
were a private affair held for and by the former musicians of the Paul Whiteman
Orchestra, to which NO outsiders were allowed. The only exception to this rule
was Philip R. Evans, who was declared and made an honorary member of the
1928 Paul Whiteman Orchestra.
The amount of information on these tapes is far more than even Scott Black had
imagined. While working on the book, the idea of a multi-media presentation
came to mind. This has been assembled for the benefit of jazz education for
young musicians in schools, and for speaking engagements at jazz festivals and
related events for the jazz fan. To hear the actual voices of famous jazz
musicians relating their own stories about Bix is a rare treat. What comes
through is far more than just reading the words spoken ― it is the emotion,
warmth, admiration, and love these folks had for Bix as a human being. And the
awe they all felt when either working with Bix or just listening to him cannot be
justly described with the written word.
A good example would be famed Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman arranger,
Bill Challis. Challis was a close friend of Bix who was also responsible for
transcribing Bix’s famous piano solos for publication. Between the years 1960 –
1961, Challis sat down and spent over 30 hours, recalling every event he could
about Bix. He listened to every Goldkette recording and commented on each one.
It turned out that those famous Goldkette arrangements were for the most part,
ideas that came from Bix Beiderbecke and arranged by Challis.
Scott Black has spent the past several years turning this collection into a digital
format for future generations to study and enjoy. He has arranged hundreds of
sound clips in a fashion that if there are questions from the audience about
certain events in Bix’s life, the answer will be the actual voices of those who
gave it. In this manner, Black can call on Challis, Bill Rank, Whiteman,
Goldkette, Spiegal Willcox, and countless others, including Bix’s family to
provide the answers. Most of the time, the answer can be presented in a few
seconds!
This is a unique format that could only be presented with today’s technology.
Also, with the use of a video player, many photos and letters can be displayed,
as well as rare film clips.
The research started by Phil Evans over a half a century ago continues through
the efforts of Scott Black, and amazing results are still coming in! Just about
every “tall tale” that’s ever been told about Bix and/or his family have been
traced back to their original source. Many new photos have been found, and
tireless efforts are being made to locate several sound films that were made with
Bix Beiderbecke in them!
Scott Black is a 54-year old cornet player who heard his first Beiderbecke
recording at the age of nine. By the time he was 17 years old, he was spending
as much time as he could with Jimmy McPartland. He learned his trade by sitting
in with Jim and asking endless questions about Bix and various musicians of the
1920’s. This produced a close friendship that lasted until Jimmy’s death in
1992. After Jimmy passed on, Marian McPartland, Jimmy’s widow and famous
jazz pianist, sent Scott, Jimmy’s favorite mouthpiece and personal items, as well
as several of his mutes, which Scott still uses. Scott would also cut school to hop
a bus to New York and spend afternoons with Eddie Condon at Condon’s
apartment on Washington Square in Greenwich Village. He taped many of those
afternoons where Eddie would never tire of telling his stories of Bix, as well as
many other musicians he had known through the years. Condon tagged him with
the nickname “Scotch” Black. This was an honor to him because McPartland
was nicknamed “Scotchie” by Eddie. Both are of Scottish decent. Eddie once
mentioned that it was a shame that Scott’s parents didn’t name him “Johnny
Walker” Black. When Scott informed him that his father’s name was John W.
Black, Condon replied that it was obvious that he came from good stock!
Needless to say, Black’s scholastic attempts came in a distant third by this
time. But the education he acquired was one that can’t be taught in a
classroom. His goal is to pass these stories and information to future
generations who fall under the spell of Bix Beiderbecke and other jazz greats. He
considers this a way of repaying a debt for the kindness shown to him in his
youth. Black has helped several organizations such as Downbeat, with projects
relating to jazz history and educating young musicians. He has helped several
writers over the years with their work, and continues to do so.
Until recently Black has toured with popular singer Leon Redbone, an
association that lasted for the past 27 years. He was featured on several
numbers on the Tonight Show with Redbone over the years, as well as playing in
the background on many national commercials. Since he left Redbone last
November, he has devoted almost all of his time on this presentation, working on
the Bix book, combining his own 40+ years of research with the legendary Phil
Evans collection. He has also started a CD label of rare one-of-a-kind jazz
recordings which has resulted in much praise from collectors and critics alike.
He recently added an annex section to his website at kazoolips.com dedicated to
Phil Evans. This section has many unique photos and articles, many never seen
before, presented in informal, lighthearted scrapbook style. This site is getting
between 100 & 200 hits each day, and many thanks are given by those who visit
for offering items they have never seen before. Just scroll down the homepage to
where it says “A Tribute to Phil Evans” and click on the link. It is constantly
updated, and at this writing consists of 17 pages.
Scott Black has been asked to give this presentation as well as perform with
various groups at the annual Bix Beiderbecke festival in Bix’s hometown of
Davenport this summer. If your organization would be interested in this multi-
media presentation, please contact TOM ALEXIOS at - tomalexios@mycidco.com
for available dates and/or all other media information.
BACK TO HOMEPAGE
Scott Black has put together a multi-media presentation dealing with the history
of jazz of the 1920’s, with a focus on the life of Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke. The life
story of this jazz age giant is an often told tale and the subject of many books
since his early death in 1931. However, his story has been flawed by the many
false stories added to his personal as well as professional life.
These tall tales have been embellished over the years by other writers, each
putting their own spin on certain events which never happened in the first
place! The result has left us with a sad picture of a tortured genius, a shame to
his family and community. He could only find comfort from his paternal and
social rejection by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. None of which is true.
For twenty years, Black was a close friend and assistant to famed researcher
and writer, Philip R. Evans. Phil Evans was internationally known to have
amassed the largest collection of information and artifacts ever gathered on Bix
Beiderbecke, which began in 1954 and continued until his death in 1999. Soon
after Evans’ death, his widow Linda turned Phil’s huge collection over to Scott
Black. Since that time, Black has been working on a massive book about Bix
Beiderbecke that will be unlike any that have published before. This book will be
in the exact words of those who were with Bix during his lifetime, with no
opinions or assumptions being made. This information comes directly from over
1000 hours of taped interviews and many thousands of letters.
The idea of this presentation came to Black while listening to (and transcribing)
the boxes of old tapes, recorded in the old Reel-to-reel format. These interviews
include many of the childhood friends of Bix, who grew up with him in Davenport,
Iowa. Recollections were gathered of Bix that go back to his pre-school days.
These audio tape recordings even have interviews given by Bix’s kindergarten
and third grade teachers who taught Bix at the Tyler Elementary School. The
school was located directly across the street from the Beiderbecke home,
located at 1934 Grand Avenue, in Davenport.
The jazz musicians who gave their voice to Bix’s story include: LOUIS
ARMSTRONG, JACK TEAGARDEN, BING CROSBY, JEAN GOLDKETTE, PAUL
WHITEMAN, FRANK TRUMBAUER, PAUL MERTZ, WILLIAM “BILL” CHALLIS (close
friend and arranger for both the Goldkette and Whiteman Orchestras), NEWELL
“SPIEGLE” WILLCOX, FERDE GROFE, JACK FULTON, STANLEY “DOC” RYKER”, JOE
VENUTI, CHAUNCEY MOREHOUSE, FRANK SIGNORELLI, NICK La ROCCA, WILLIAM
“BILL” RANK, CHARLES MARGULIS, WILBUR HALL, CHESTER HAZLETT, CHARLES
STRICKFADDEN, ROY BARGY, MATTY MALNECK, AL RINKER, BEN SELVIN, KURT
DIETERLE, IRVING FRIEDMAN, JIMMY McPARTLAND, EDDIE CONDON, ARTIE SHAW,
LOUIS BLACK, ROY MAYER, OTTO LANDAU, ESTEN SPURRIER, WAYNE ROLFE, ART
HODES, PHIL DOOLEY, LARRY ANDREWS, EDWIN “SQUIRREL” ASHCRAFT, SMITH
BALLEW, FRED BERGIN, HOAGY CARMICHAEL, FRANK CUSH, SPENCER CLARK,
“WILD BILL” DAVISON, RUTH SCHAFFNER (Bix’s Girlfriend – 1925-26). This is only
a partial listing of those who speak on these audio tapes. Also included in this
collection are old “Reel-to-reel” audio tapes recorded in the early 1960’s that
were made at the annual reunions of the PAUL WHITEMAN ORCHESTRA, held at
the home of legendary composer and arranger – FERDE GROFE. These reunions
were a private affair held for and by the former musicians of the Paul Whiteman
Orchestra, to which NO outsiders were allowed. The only exception to this rule
was Philip R. Evans, who was declared and made an honorary member of the
1928 Paul Whiteman Orchestra.
The amount of information on these tapes is far more than even Scott Black had
imagined. While working on the book, the idea of a multi-media presentation
came to mind. This has been assembled for the benefit of jazz education for
young musicians in schools, and for speaking engagements at jazz festivals and
related events for the jazz fan. To hear the actual voices of famous jazz
musicians relating their own stories about Bix is a rare treat. What comes
through is far more than just reading the words spoken ― it is the emotion,
warmth, admiration, and love these folks had for Bix as a human being. And the
awe they all felt when either working with Bix or just listening to him cannot be
justly described with the written word.
A good example would be famed Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman arranger,
Bill Challis. Challis was a close friend of Bix who was also responsible for
transcribing Bix’s famous piano solos for publication. Between the years 1960 –
1961, Challis sat down and spent over 30 hours, recalling every event he could
about Bix. He listened to every Goldkette recording and commented on each one.
It turned out that those famous Goldkette arrangements were for the most part,
ideas that came from Bix Beiderbecke and arranged by Challis.
Scott Black has spent the past several years turning this collection into a digital
format for future generations to study and enjoy. He has arranged hundreds of
sound clips in a fashion that if there are questions from the audience about
certain events in Bix’s life, the answer will be the actual voices of those who
gave it. In this manner, Black can call on Challis, Bill Rank, Whiteman,
Goldkette, Spiegal Willcox, and countless others, including Bix’s family to
provide the answers. Most of the time, the answer can be presented in a few
seconds!
This is a unique format that could only be presented with today’s technology.
Also, with the use of a video player, many photos and letters can be displayed,
as well as rare film clips.
The research started by Phil Evans over a half a century ago continues through
the efforts of Scott Black, and amazing results are still coming in! Just about
every “tall tale” that’s ever been told about Bix and/or his family have been
traced back to their original source. Many new photos have been found, and
tireless efforts are being made to locate several sound films that were made with
Bix Beiderbecke in them!
Scott Black is a 54-year old cornet player who heard his first Beiderbecke
recording at the age of nine. By the time he was 17 years old, he was spending
as much time as he could with Jimmy McPartland. He learned his trade by sitting
in with Jim and asking endless questions about Bix and various musicians of the
1920’s. This produced a close friendship that lasted until Jimmy’s death in
1992. After Jimmy passed on, Marian McPartland, Jimmy’s widow and famous
jazz pianist, sent Scott, Jimmy’s favorite mouthpiece and personal items, as well
as several of his mutes, which Scott still uses. Scott would also cut school to hop
a bus to New York and spend afternoons with Eddie Condon at Condon’s
apartment on Washington Square in Greenwich Village. He taped many of those
afternoons where Eddie would never tire of telling his stories of Bix, as well as
many other musicians he had known through the years. Condon tagged him with
the nickname “Scotch” Black. This was an honor to him because McPartland
was nicknamed “Scotchie” by Eddie. Both are of Scottish decent. Eddie once
mentioned that it was a shame that Scott’s parents didn’t name him “Johnny
Walker” Black. When Scott informed him that his father’s name was John W.
Black, Condon replied that it was obvious that he came from good stock!
Needless to say, Black’s scholastic attempts came in a distant third by this
time. But the education he acquired was one that can’t be taught in a
classroom. His goal is to pass these stories and information to future
generations who fall under the spell of Bix Beiderbecke and other jazz greats. He
considers this a way of repaying a debt for the kindness shown to him in his
youth. Black has helped several organizations such as Downbeat, with projects
relating to jazz history and educating young musicians. He has helped several
writers over the years with their work, and continues to do so.
Until recently Black has toured with popular singer Leon Redbone, an
association that lasted for the past 27 years. He was featured on several
numbers on the Tonight Show with Redbone over the years, as well as playing in
the background on many national commercials. Since he left Redbone last
November, he has devoted almost all of his time on this presentation, working on
the Bix book, combining his own 40+ years of research with the legendary Phil
Evans collection. He has also started a CD label of rare one-of-a-kind jazz
recordings which has resulted in much praise from collectors and critics alike.
He recently added an annex section to his website at kazoolips.com dedicated to
Phil Evans. This section has many unique photos and articles, many never seen
before, presented in informal, lighthearted scrapbook style. This site is getting
between 100 & 200 hits each day, and many thanks are given by those who visit
for offering items they have never seen before. Just scroll down the homepage to
where it says “A Tribute to Phil Evans” and click on the link. It is constantly
updated, and at this writing consists of 17 pages.
Scott Black has been asked to give this presentation as well as perform with
various groups at the annual Bix Beiderbecke festival in Bix’s hometown of
Davenport this summer. If your organization would be interested in this multi-
media presentation, please contact TOM ALEXIOS at - tomalexios@mycidco.com
for available dates and/or all other media information.
BACK TO HOMEPAGE
