Chris Wong - Journeys to the Bandstand

Music Buddy

One city, two Cellars, seven decades, and thirty vibrant jazz personalities. Journeys to the Bandstand: Thirty Jazz Lives in Vancouver is the debut book by author and veteran music journalist Chris Wong (Vancouver Sun, Georgia Straight, Vancouver Courier). It is an in-depth and rich account of the remarkable life stories of several key protagonists in Vancouver’s jazz and improv scene.
From lesser-known icons such as trumpeter John Dawe, to revolutionary shape shifters such as pianist Al Neil, to essential leaders in today's scene such as bassist Jodi Proznick, Wong chronicles this carefully-curated selection of intriguing lives with a gentle compassion, a steadfast respect for the truth, and a deep love and understanding of the art form itself.
The book describes the inspiration, passion, and the lure of a life dedicated to music, but also the emotional, economic, and physical toll that can often accompany such a choice. While chronicling the professional trajectories of his chosen subjects, Wong also shines a light on a city with a rich jazz culture, a supportive community, and a fascinating musical history.
Music samples in this episode:
"Jordu" by Duke Jordan - The Al Neil Quintet (Al Neil - The Cellar Years: Archival Recordings from 1957)
"Modal" - The Al Neil Trio (Retrospective 1965-68)
"Sax Freeabin" - Hugh Fraser & VEJI (Canadian Stage Band Festival, 1981)
"Listen" - Jodi Proznik (Sun Songs, 2017)
"The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive Ass Slippers" - Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music, 1972)
"Home Cookin'" by Horace Silver - Cory Weeds (Home Cookin' , 2023)
"Song for My Father" - The Horace Silver Quintet (Song for My Father, 1964)
"The Key of Love" - Hugh Fraser (Bonehenge, 2005)

LINKS:
Chris Wong, Author
A Trane with Nou Dadoun (Vancouver Coop Radio)
Cellar Music Group (Cory Weeds)
Live at The Cellar: Vancouver’s Iconic Jazz Club and the Canadian Co-operative Jazz Scene in the 1950s and ‘60s, by Marian Jago (UBC Press, 2018)

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