Two topics for the price of one: Lawrence Lucie/Why lead a big band?
Submitted by Jazz Suite
Despite the relative youth of jazz as a genre, the tendency is to look at anything prior to the swing era as so old as to be beyond the touch of our generation.
But the fact is, that is simply not true. Take the case of Lawrence Lucie, a guitarist who died Friday at the age of 101.
Here was a man who was there for the early days of jazz and was still playing into the 21st century. His career saw him play with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Benny Carter, and Fletcher Henderson.
Oh, and he was the last living musician known to have recorded with Jelly Roll Morton.
Amazing stuff.
Plus, with all the difficulties that go into running a big band, why do it? R.J. DeLuke explores that question at all about jazz.
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.
Whose your favorite star? Hear a great piece recently? Register on Jazz Music Blog now and get published within minutes. Before posting, it is recommended that you review our posting guidelines.
