[TPIN] Al Hirt

[Bill Biffle]

Let me jump on the Jumbo Bandwagon.  When I was in my pre-teen years, I
could get a NO radio station very late at night.  One of those "Live
from the Roosevelt Ballroom, high atop the XXXX hotel" things.  I spent
many happy hours listening to AH with my head under the covers.

Later, I learned to turn my nose up at his playing - crass, commercial,
too brassy, etc.  (All of us "great" college players loved to howl with
superior glee at the awful Hayden he recorded).  I didn't play for 35
years and "came back" to the horn seven or eight years ago at age 55.  I
bought every CD I could buy that had a trumpet player on it.  Put it all
- about 4,500 tunes - on my Ipod and proceeded to listen.  Well, I LOVE
AH again!  Often, when returning home after a hard weekend, I put my
entire AH rep have on the headphones and listen on the plane all the way
home.  It's an inspiration and a musical experience!  Without apology!
Makes me smile!

"Al Hirt At The Mardi Gras" that Rick mentioned is a favorite - I agree
on the DYKWIMTMNO opening cadenza - and the version of "I Love Paris"
that Travis speaks about is also a wonderful thing to behold.  

I don't know another jazz player that played with the joy and fun that
he did.  And if it ain't fun, why do it?

Bill Biffle
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Duke City Jazz Band
bbiffle at brgcc.com