We have been receiving a number of letters and e-mails over the past few months about problems with some of our DVDs and CDs. Those problems include pictures that freeze up, CDs that won’t play all the tracks, DVDs that won’t play at all on any player, and various other sundry difficulties. The digital revolution is just great, isn’t it? 

Certainly, we could all go back to using cassette audio tapes and VHS–or Beta–video tapes. These were and are mechanically oriented media that in time, just like any other mechanical device, wear out. One of the beauties of the digital revolution, be it CD, DVD or whatever, is that these things supposedly don’t wear out. That, certainly, is fabulous, but it doesn’t mean diddley if they won’t play. 

Here at JazzLegends.com, we’ve already gone through about five CD duplicators. Their shelf life, whatever the price, appears to be about 90 days. And in this case, sadly, 90 days is not “the same as cash,” as they say in Philadelphia. On the DVD side of things, we try to monitor the transfers as closely as possible, given the time constraints involved. On dozens of occasions during the transfer process, we noticed that pictures were indeed freezing up, etc. We thought the problem was that the initial video-to-DVD mastering process was flawed, and we ran around seeking new masters. It turns out that the problem was actually in the DVD player. We’ve also gone through about ten of those. 

As many of you know, we are back and forth from Naples, Florida frequently, if only because our daughter, grand daughter, son-in-law and genius web master live there. In the interests of customer service, we’ve “set up shop” down there and have another duplication setup in place so we can fulfill orders wherever we are. We’ve already returned two DVD players to Best Buy in Naples. And by the way, be careful if you ever buy a refrigerator from Best Buy. 

We will continue to make good on all orders that may be flawed in any way, shape or form, due to imperfections in the duplication process and/or the digital revolution. Perhaps at some point, all will be perfected. As for me, I’m waiting until HDTVs go down to $500 bucks. 

In other matters, I urge you to seriously consider owning our newly discovered appearance by the Gene Krupa Jazz Trio from the 1954 “George Jessel Show.” You’ve never seen anything like this, and to see Eddie Shu, Gene and Teddy Napoleon on the screen is something very, very special. 

It is also strongly suggested, as mentioned in a previous article, that you check out Mosaic’s new boxed set of Buddy Rich’s small group work for the Verve, Emarcy and Argo record labels. Though some may disagree, I prefer Buddy’s small group work to his big band work, especially the famed, Sam Most/Mike Mainieri flute and vibes band. I started doubling on vibes years ago, and Mike was and is my favorite. Get this limited edition boxed set while you can. As usual, Mosaic’s packaging, annotation, notes, graphics, etc., are state of the art. Those of us who have any interest in jazz–past, present or future–should be on our knees at least a few times a year in tribute to the good folks at Mosaic. 

We’ve also made a few Buddy discoveries of our own, including the “Let’s Go To Town” National Guard radio broadcasts from 1961 (with Most and Mainieri), the 1968 big band studio recordings that were shelved at the urging of Don Menza, who told Buddy that these tracks should be recorded live (they eventually became the “Mercy Mercy” LP recorded live at Caesars in Vegas); and the entire 1964 Japanese concert of the Harry James band. Look for updates on the site. 

In response to request, we will shortly begin featuring a line of, and I hesitate to use the word, “novelties,” that will feature the JazzLegends.com logo in conjunction with some rare images of Gene Krupa himself. I’m told there will be bumper stickers, clocks, mugs, etc. Those of you who are putting the JazzLegends.com logo on your bass drums should be careful not to cover up the “Slingerland” logo!! Watch the web site for updates. 

Finally, my sincerest thanks to all involved for keeping the JazzLegends.com forum a very, very lively place, and for all the kind words within. 

God bless and keep swingin, 

Bruce Klauber

Lou Rawls, who died today at the age of 72, was a wonderful artist and a great human being. Though never a jazz singer, per se, though he recorded with a number of giants through the years, and helped introduce millions of people to jazz who might not have listened to it otherwise. The presumption is that if folks felt that “Lou Rawls was a jazz singer” then jazz “has to be good.” He opened the doors for singers and instrumentalists like George Benson and dozens of others, never misrepresented his talents, and while he did experience the hit records, “You’ll Never Find” among them, I don’t believe he ever subverted his talent for the sake of sales. 

His work on behalf of the United Negro College Fund was legendary, and if memory serves, only Lou Rawls was able to get a certain Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra to appear on the then fledgling UNCF telethon, only a struggling syndicated operation at that point. Such was the charm and the talent of Lou Rawls. 

He had almost a reassuring voice, some would say maybe an outgrowth of King Cole and Billy Eckstine, with none of the excesses that we hear—okay, I hear—of today’s alleged, jazz and jazz oriented singers, male and female. 

Lou Rawls, to his credit, was pretty much free from scandal and the gossip column and tabloid mongers through the years. He must be one of the few. On a personal basis, and that’s the only way I’m able to measure a man accurately, I can report that Lou Rawls was quite special. 

He was performing in the main room of Atlantic City’s famed Golden Nugget, circa 1984. This was during the “golden age, “ at least entertainment-wise, of Atlantic City. It’s difficult today to realize that it existed. Think of it: the main stages were populated by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Don Rickles, Steve and Eydie, Vic Damone, Eddie Fisher, Diana Ross, Al Martino, George Carlin, Alan King, Shecky Greene, and yes, Lou Rawls. But the real action, for those “in the know,” was in the lounges. It was unbelievable , as this “free” lounge entertainment included talents like Keely Smith, Chris Connor, Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, Red Norvo, Buddy Greco, Billy Eckstine, Billy Daniels, Joanie Sommers, Sam Butera and The Wildest, Dakota Staton, Frankie Randall (also the Nugget’s Entertainment Directoror) and dozens of others. Incredible. You should have been there. 

I had a wonderful association with Atlantic City back then, both playing in the lounges with the likes of vocalists Connie Lesem, Sonny Averona, Joy Adams and my own combinations; as well as writing a regular column for Atlantic City Magazine, entitled “Backstage.” What a time. 

At this particular time, I had become enamored, and there is no better word, of one of the female singers working the Golden Nugget Lounge. Trying to make an impression and win her over, I became something of her gopher/messenger/pr person/major domo, be it carrying her music, rehearsing the band, running interference with the front office, etc. I had no idea of how much I was embarrassing myself. 

That’s when Lou Rawls stepped in. One fine evening at the conclusion of all the Golden Nugget Lounge show, circa 2 a.m., yours truly was waiting, outside the lounge with hat in hand, truly dejected, and with said singers’ music in my other hand. It appeared, literally and figuratively, that I had been left holding the proverbial bag while Ms. Big Time Lounge Singer was off to party with the big wigs. And who should appear out of thin air at that moment? Lou Rawls. 

“You don’t need this, kid,” Lou said to me. “You’re a talent in your own right; playing here, writing your column. I’m telling you not to do this. You’re bringing yourself down. Get rid of her, man.” 

“How did you know what’s going down?” I asked Lou. 

“Everyone can see it,” he replied, “and Frankie Randall asked me to talk to you.” 

Things changed after that. Atlantic City has never been the same. Nor have I. It was a magic time. People cared about entertainment then. People cared about people then. Lou Rawls took the time to talk to a sad, lovesick youngster and set him straight. 

And Lou, it worked. May you rest—and keep swinging soulfully—in peace. 

In other assorted matters, on behalf of Joy, Judy, my brother Joel and yours truly, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the condolences and good wishes we’ve received from all over world on behalf of the late, great, Frances Klauber. She was and will always will be a one of a kind. 

The good people from one of this world’s most stellar record labels, Mosaic, have released an astounding boxed set of Buddy Rich’s small group work for Verve and Argo from the early 1950s through the early 1960s. We will be writing about this in detail shortly, but let it be said that this among Buddy Rich’s most important and inventive work. Though he was known at the quintessential big band drummer, BR’s work with small groups–especially his own–has been overlooked for years. This is a must have. 

Bruce Klauber