THE ANNUAL MEETING 2009


"The same procedure as last year, Miss Sofie?" and "The same procedure as every year, James!" are two of the repeated key lines in "Dinner for one", a play by Laurie Wylie shown on Swedish Television nearly every New Year's Eve for forty years. And you could almost say the same about SBJS' annual meeting 2009. Interesting speeches, superb Cajun food by the society's own Chef Sven Gustafsson, a terribly hard jazz quiz by Jan Lorentzon, live music by members of the society and last but not least the opportunity to meet old friends, all devoted to Bunk's musical heritage. The "almost" above depends on the fact that the annual meeting this year was held not in Stockholm City in January but in Vällingby, a suburb west of Stockholm City, in March. In spite of the new date and the new location 30 minutes ride by underground from Stockholm City, nearly fifty members attended the meeting. And they definitely did not seem disappointed.

First speaker to enter the stage after the formal society matters kept short as usual, was Tom Bethell, born in England but for many years living in the US. Tom, an author and journalist with economics and science as his specialties, is of course well known to all interested in New Orleans jazz. His wonderful book "George Lewis - A Jazzman from New Orleans" and his San Jacinto Records with the fabulous orchestras of Peter Bocage, Kid Howard, George Lewis and Kid Thomas Valentine will probably be found in the home of every member of SBJS. Tom gave us some insights into fascinating aspects on Bill Russell's recordings in general and on Bill's protective attitude to Bunk in special. As an extra bonus Tom had brought some seldom heard American Music recordings made with Bunk. Just great music for all Bunk fans even if you could understand why Bill Russell was reluctant to release them.

Mike Hazeldine, co-author of the definitive Bunk biography "Song Of The Wanderer", gave us the latest news on Bunk research and Doug Landau, Mike's successor as the editor of New Orleans Music, told us about the joys and sorrows of being in charge of a highly specialized magazine. There are not many of those around devoted to traditional jazz since Leslie Johnson of the Mississippi Rag died of cancer. The evening was concluded by Christer Fellers and his New Orleans Stompers, six gentlemen whu really understand and can convey the secret of vintage jazz. And then it was all over too quickly, a sure sign of a successful evening, to quote Doug Landau from his lines about the annual meeting in the June 2009 issue of New Orleans Music.


                    P-O K

Meeting_2008.html
2009_Edegran_session.html