BillF

And here they all are, Buck in military uniform in 1945, Dexter in a nice hat and Bird looking very healthy:

Time to give this one a spin:

James Watt The Who The Witches of Salem

Popeye Popeye Doyle Mrs Doyle

Rick Shaw Sandie Shaw Sylvia Beach

SweeneyTodd Bill Barber Sir Eyre Coote

Spillett's book is unique. How many jazz biographies have been written by someone who plays the same instrument in much the same style as their subject and leads a similar professional life, as well as being a consummate writer and researcher?

Dick Wellstood Bill Hardman Mister Softee

Many thanks, Bev. Re your warning about Heining, this is what I was gently trying to indicate when I wrote that I wasn't seeking sociological analysis. The rise of jazz studies in the universities and the omnipresent jargon of critical theory means you have to be extra vigilant in choosing what to read. Perhaps information is best derived from practitioners - working musicians like Spillett and King.

Yes, Bob and Ted, I agree about Spillett's Hayes biog. The Gelly I don't know - must have a look at that. P.S. Checking out the Gelly has led me to Duncan Heining's Trad Dads, Dirty Boppers and Free Fusioneers: British Jazz, 1960-1975. What I'm seeking, though, is not so much sociological analysis, but a factual account of the music and its players. The Hayes biog certainly gives that and Peter King's Flying High: A Jazz Life and Beyond would help, too.

Many thanks, Jason.

Tony Kofi Coco the Clown Charles Mingus

I've been asked if I could recommend a book on the history of British jazz. Can you help me out? An overview of the modern jazz scene c.1960 is particularly sought.

The Weathermen Claude Rains John Snow

George Joyner Joint Defence Committee Paul Smoker

Richard the Lionheart Hart Crane Elmer Gantry

Sir Jonathan Gasser Gorgeous Gussie Edmund Gosse

Daniel Defoe Willem Dafoe Daffy Duck

Joe Gormley Gormenghast

Arthur Lowe Trudy Pitts Bill Potts

Jimmy Gloomy The Moody Blues The Glums

Alastair Brunette Ginger Baker

https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2016/jun/15/how-to-remake-a-blue-note-jazz-album-in-pictures-vinyl-music-matters

Rebecca Shatwell Lucie Atwell Loose Tubes

King Oliver Oliver Twist Chubby Checker