John Tapscott

I was born in '55 and I consider that to be the classic period. The jazz from later decades that I enjoy most is rooted mainly in that classic period. And you know players I'm speaking of, Bill.

Oh yes, highly recommended, Bill. I am reading it slowly and treasuring it. I am up to about 1944, when Buddy was discharged after a very controversial stint in the U.S. Armed Forces (he actually wanted to serve overseas and they wouldn't let him; of course, his famous temper finally landed him in solitary confinement before a medical discharge), and rejoined Tommy Dorsey (at least briefly). Rich's story is compelling (his relationship with Sinatra is detailed) and the coverage of the swing era is quite fascinating.

Happy Birthday Don!

Happy Birthday Bill. A young 80, I would say.

An excellent choice. It's hard to go wrong. I have every CD from which these tracks are chosen. I personally would have chosen a track by Phil Nimmons, Canada's premier jazz composer, who has several fine Sackville CD's.

John's death may have been sudden, but he had dealing with health issues for a few years. I remember meeting and speaking with him in the summer of 2009. I hadn't seen him for a few years and I was a bit shocked by how frail he had become. But he was speaking enthusiastically about a Rossano Sportiello solo piano recording he had produced just a few days before. And he still had some projects in the pipeline. He kept going to the end. Here's a Sackville recording I missed when it first came out in 1979/80. I only discovered it a few years ago when I bought the Delmark CD re-issue. It is excellent. edited to ask - Ken - do you have the 3 CD set - 40 Years of Sackville? - a superb compilation of prime tracks from the label's recordings, chosen by Norris himself. Very few labels had the breadth of Sackville in stylistic terms - from very traditional jazz right through to the avant-garde.

Hamilton 40

Winnipeg - 50