For a couple of years while I was at the University of Oklahoma I played the banjo in a converted church on Northwest 39th Street in Oklahoma City. In 1965 I went to Boulder, Colorado, with two other banjoists: Ed and Bob Turner. Fiddled around for a while, then took a job with Jim Wood at his small advertising agency.
Jim played the bass in a scrabbled together Dixieland group that played desultorily around town. I sat in with them a couple of times and was asked to join the group. All my musical life prior to that I had worked solo or had headed small groups. Being a sideman was an enormous relief and a luxury. The leader would find places for us to play, draw up a song list, and take care of all the details. All I had to do was show up with my banjo, plunk along, and sing when asked. I loved it.
A few days ago my wife, Kay, was digging through a bunch of old CD’s and came across one labeled “Jubilation Jazz Band, Part One.” Can’t express properly how much fun it was to hear that music again. So I thought I’d share. I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t remember the names of a few of them. Maybe you can help.
Oh, By Jingo
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
The Sheik of Araby
Runnin’ Wild
Rosie
In a Little Spanish Town
I Found a New Baby
Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
Ain’t She Sweet
Alexander’s Ragtime Band
