BillF

We've been discussing the very unusual event of the prevention of a jazz concert from taking place - a matter of interest to jazz lovers.

Cardew the Cad Cornelius Cardew's Scratch Orchestra Sir Crispin Tickell

The fact remains that he is a sensational jazz altoist, whatever his views may be. This takes us back to the old argument about whether an artist's personal immorality detracts from his artistic achievement. In my youth I recall the debate was whether Wordsworth's poetry was damaged by the fact that he had sex with his sister (if he in fact did). The fact remains that when I was there Atzmon blew a leading altoist like Alan Barnes off the stand.

Some vintage vinyl from my collection.

Let's keep things in proportion. Probably Bev and I are the only contributors to this thread who have seen Atzmon in action - I've seen him twice - and I can say that the only political content at his gigs is that 1) he has his books on sale as well as his albums, and 2) he makes throwaway remarks as quoted in #10 above. The overwhelming impression at the gigs is of someone who plays sensational alto with the power of Cannonball and a touch of Dolphy in his harmonic thinking. There's also an ever-present treasuring of Jewish (and Arabic, let it be said) culture in his playing. (He managed to quote from Fiddler on the Roof in the first chorus of his solo on the opening number, "Just Friends"! ) Above all, as so often with jazz musicians, there's humour in what he does, so if there is a touch of politics at his gigs, it's political satire that he's peddling. Re Atzmon's humour, try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnA4J1oGt7g&list=PLT1QhVUGSYQKOlPatVRGyej8Cud_PR_KP

Very sorry to hear that. Saw him in 1978 in the Gil Evans Orchestra and in the 90s in the Carla Bley Orchestra. Always liked his trumpet playing.

Good summary, Leeway. The book's readable, but not treasurable like Offshore and The Bookshop IMHO.

Idi Amin Dada Papa Doc Odean Pope

The Fairy Feller That Geller Feller Sweet Lorraine

Prince Buster Ian Breakwell Cracker

Jimmy Noone Anita O'Day Dawn Airey

Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree Mick Pyne Derrick Greaves

Flora Robson Fleur Adcock Fred Flowers

Atzmon talks about suing in the Manchester Evening News article. I seem to recall that there is a long-established tort in English law called Inducing Breach of Contract. It was originally used to prevent trade unions from calling strikes (which would cause striking workers to break their contracts with their employers), but parliament legislated to give trade unions immunity in certain circumstances, so that strikes could be lawfully held. Inducing Breach of Contract might be relevant in this case in that the pressure group induced the venue to break its contract with Atzmon. Any lawyers out there?

Paris Hilton Jack London Milan Kundera

B Bopstein Bop N Beep Bo Peep

Lester Koenig Lazy Lester George Lazenby

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-31739535

In my experience, he doesn't discuss his political views during his gigs, but he does make asides. For example, introduced as an "Anglo-Israeli saxophonist" he remarked, "Don't say Israel, say occupied territories" and when fellow saxophonist Alan Barnes took out a baritone, he commented, "That looks like an Israeli weapon".

I wasn't planning to attend, as I prefer Gilad as a soloist with a local rhythm section, rather than with his Orient House Ensemble. I just hope the venue where I see him is sufficiently out of the way to escape this sort of thing.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/college-cancels-gilad-atzmon-concert-8779754

Arthur Mee U2 Wee Georgie Wood

Wesley Snipes Snipcock and Tweed Babcock and Wilcox