John McNeil

[Larry Kart]

In the liner notes to his 2009 album “Chill Morn He Climb Jenny” (Sunnyside), McNeil wrote this about the Burke-Van Heusen tune “Aren’t You Glad You’re You?”:

“This song is from the film ‘The Bells of St. Marys,’ starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Bing played a priest and Ingrid a nun, a tribute to their acting skills.”

Also, of Russ Freeman's "Batter Up":

"Russ Freeman loved baseball, and wrote tunes with baseball-type titles, like 'Fungo' and 'Safe At Home.' He even recorded a jazz baseball record with Andre Previn titled 'Double Play.' The album cover had a naked woman wearing a baseball cap, an image that really speaks to jazz musicians everywhere."

[clifford_thornton]

I liked his East Coast Cool disc. An intriguing player.

[ghost of miles]

John was here a couple of months ago to play a gig at the Bear's Place Jazz Fables series, and that same deadpan-dry wit was on display throughout his entire visit.

[jlhoots]

In the liner notes to his 2009 album “Chill Morn He Climb Jenny” (Sunnyside), McNeil wrote this about the Burke-Van Heusen tune “Aren’t You Glad You’re You?”:

“This song is from the film ‘The Bells of St. Marys,’ starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Bing played a priest and Ingrid a nun, a tribute to their acting skills.”

Also, of Russ Freeman's "Batter Up":

"Russ Freeman loved baseball, and wrote tunes with baseball-type titles, like 'Fungo' and 'Safe At Home.' He even recorded a jazz baseball record with Andre Previn titled 'Double Play.' The album cover had a naked woman wearing a baseball cap, an image that really speaks to jazz musicians everywhere."

Nice CD.

[sonnymax]

Big McNeil fan here, having a dozen or so of his recordings in my collection. Just downloaded an early one the other day - Embarkation on Steeplechase. Saw him and Bill McHenry perform at the Iridium a couple of years ago - very enjoyable. McNeil's one of those artists you wish more people knew about, one who deserves a salary that's commensurate with his talent. Thanks for the mention, Larry.

[JSngry]

Who is the S.J. Perelman of jazz?

[sonnymax]

Who is the S.J. Perelman of jazz?

Why you are, ya big lug!

[JSngry]

Actually...a case could have been made for Captain Beefheart, at least visually...

[Larry Kart]

Who is the S.J. Perelman of jazz?

Manny Albam wrote a piece based on a Thurber cartoon, "Poor Dr. Millmoss":

http://www.cartoonbank.com/1930s/what-have-you-done-with-dr-millmoss/invt/117291/

and I think he or Al Cohn wrote one that takes off on a Perelman story, but if so, I can't remember the title.

[JSngry]

Ok, so who was the Harry Kemp of jazz?

Or are there too may to mention?

[Larry Kart]

Ok, so who was the Harry Kemp of jazz?

Harry "The Hipster" Gibson