So it's May 2, 1945 and a lot of good things are happening over in Europe, the Russians have captured Berlin, the BBC announced Hitler's death, the Germans surrendered in Italy, Betty had a boy and you have to rush home because it's flag day in Poland and the maid has the afternoon off. This guy at the studio just went on and on about Berlin and how much fun he had there in '36, so you're late and the damn elevator seems to be stuck. You take the stairway, rushing down two or three steps at a time and, wouldn't you know it? There's this bunch of guys going to a National session, blocking your path and having fun as you leap down to get home before Lechsinska leaves...
... so what's your excuse going to be? That you missed the bus because Art Blakey, Tommy Potter, Budd Johnson, Junior Williams, Fats Navarro, Chippy Outcalt, Billy Eckstine and Gene Ammons wouldn't let you pass?
Lechsinska will never buy that.
Oh, man! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe photo, a page from an old Down Beat issue, was among the many clippings Elmer Snowden had in a cardboard box. I figured that not too many people have seen it, and you're right—it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I was recently venting about how there is no film footage of Fats. Others pictured here you can find-esp. Blakey and Eckstine.
ReplyDeleteBTW, there's a flash script running here that's messing w. my computer.
Hi - Lila Ammons here. I'm Gene Ammons's niece.My dad was his brother. I love this photo. I've never seen it. Is there any way I could receive a copy of it? Please let me know.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Lila Ammons
Hi Lila,
ReplyDeleteI can't recall where I found that photo, but I will try to relocate the source. In the meantime, I will be glad to e-mail it to you. You can give me an e-mail address at WBAIRetro@mac.com. Your uncle was among my favorite tenor players.