As a follow-up to our last post, which featured a job opening at The Andover Shop, here’s a little night music for your Saturday evening. The Modern Jazz Quartet was one of the jazz acts Andover Shop founder Charlie Davidson said he sold (or gave) some clothes to back in the Ivy heyday. At least as far as he can remember — and as far as I can remember him telling me.
I’m not a big fan of matching suits, but it was a distinct look within the world of serious jazz (compared to, say, the ubiquitous matching suits of doo-wop groups), and of course they certainly had a distinctive sound. If you’re not familiar with them, there’s a clip at the bottom.
Oh, and check out the bearded Viking in the photo below, which dates from 1959 in San Francisco, where my parents were living at the time. Distant cousin perhaps? — CC
So easy to listen to.
Something for the rest of us:
https://youtu.be/rjq1aTLjrOE
Turk and Hyde is in the Tenderloin. Then and now it was known as a market for drugs and prostitution.
The Black Hawk Bar:
https://hoodline.com/2015/03/once-upon-a-time-in-the-tl-jazz-at-black-hawk-bar
Very interesting edit of the footage for 1958. I wonder if they shot it with multiple cameras because the movements of the players are with the music throughout. Doing so would also make it easier for them to engage in some improvisation.
Are there any film experts out there to clue me in?
Whiskeydent: Good question. I’m no expert, but I can’t imagine taping this performance single-camera. Multiple cameras = cheap insurance, easy edits, less wear-and-tear on the talent.