tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43080435080333093592024-03-14T10:41:33.671-07:00Dick Broadie plays piano with jazz all-stars!Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-57156699153438069412011-04-06T23:41:00.002-07:002012-03-14T21:45:10.647-07:00My biography by Floyd Levin (composed in 2006)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq_9xOpVQIZcFqZ7M66zf8_bDEuhTIRzCAaYmlzFcSCrZK2EKqFGIUljInOWn1QhsdtA_2cpdpBpQrqnyay7Tj8oeElwQ0JdYK5powqa_M2Ve1f51dQz3E8yOSi-r49caOli1iwzaCJI/s1600/Floyd+Levin+Review+1996+AVID+project.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq_9xOpVQIZcFqZ7M66zf8_bDEuhTIRzCAaYmlzFcSCrZK2EKqFGIUljInOWn1QhsdtA_2cpdpBpQrqnyay7Tj8oeElwQ0JdYK5powqa_M2Ve1f51dQz3E8yOSi-r49caOli1iwzaCJI/s320/Floyd+Levin+Review+1996+AVID+project.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592943795788087250" border="0" /></a><br />My long time friend (more than 40 years) Floyd Levin (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Levin">see Wikipedia</a>) interviewed me in late 2006. Since he died within months of this interview, I don't believe this article was ever submitted to it's intended target: The International Association of Jazz Record Collector's Journal.<br /><br />*****************************<br /><br />Richard G. "Dick" Broadie, a native of Iowa played his first professional job as a musician as a teen-ager more than 50 years ago in his home town of Waverly Iowa. While studying electronics in Chicago, he played clarinet with Bob Scobey and Clancy Hayes for a brief stint at the Brass Rail until it was determined that he was too young to be legally performing in this setting.<br /><br />Not long after graduating from electronics school in 1958, Dick moved to California. A week after his 21st birthday, in 1960 Dick was introduced to Duke Ellington and Jimmy Rushing in San Francisco where he played a benefit with them. At the time, Dick could frequently be seen sitting in with Turk Murphy, again with Clancy Hayes at his side. From that time to the present, Dick played many jobs with some of the world's greatest musicians. A partial list includes: Bobby Hackett, Eddie Miller, Ray Leatherwood, Nat Pierce, Teddy Wilson, Wild Bill Davidson, Johnny St. Cyr, Ed "Montudie" Garland, Peanuts Hucko, Charlie Beal, Russ Haddock, Joe Massters, Rex Stewart, Wellman Braud, Henry Cuesta, Rex Stewart, Pete Daily, Teddy Buckner, and his friend and mentor of more than 25 years, Barney Bigard.<br /><br />In late 1960, Dick joined the Southern California Hot Jazz Society and during the next 10 years was involved musically and/or politically with an array of jazz clubs including the Society for the Preservation of Dixieland Jazz, the New Orleans Jazz Club of Southern California, the Valley Jazz Club and the South Bay Jazz Club. Dick performed at the Sacramento Jazz festival during nine of its first ten years - on five different instruments.<br /><br />In 1971, Dick moved to Palm Springs where he eventually co-founded the Palm Springs Jazz Society. Around 1980, he was named the first president of the Palm Springs Jazz Association. When this club became fragmented between traditional and bop musicians, Shirley Copeland was given the PS Jazz Associations mailing list from which she started the Dixieland Jazz Society of the Desert with her friend, Don McNeeley. Subsequently, Dick served the Dixieland Jazz Society of the Desert as the leader of the Dixieland 111 Jazz Band and/or a member of its Board of Directors for many years.<br /><br />As a musician in the desert, Dick worked in numerous night spots and country clubs including the famous Palm Springs Racquet Club. He lead groups while performing for/with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hoagy Charmichael,Rosalie Hearst and Gerald Ford. For many years, he was in the American Federation of Musicians . An ASCAP member since 1973, he estimates that he has written more than 100 songs. After composing several comedy country songs that were performed for his employer, Gene Autry, Mr. Autry, while president of the Academy of Country Music, personally sponsored Dick's membership into that organization.<br /><br />Before moving to Palm Springs, Dick received his BA degree in Psychology and was in his Masters program at UCLA when he left to do work for the National Institute of Mental Health as an research scientist. This lead to his assisting in authoring mental health related sections of the Welfare and Institutions code as a consultant to the legal counsel of the California State Legislature.<br /><br />After arriving in Palm Springs, Dick managed large properties for a LA based investment firm, owned a sign business, worked on staff at Desert Hospital and Canyon Springs hospitals in charge of their psychiatric units for more than 10 years. During this time, Dick used his electronics background and musician's ear to invent a system to convert monaural music into stereophonic sound. Dick holds patents in this field in the US and elsewhere and, until his recent retirement, has been the President and CEO of Broadie Sound, Inc.. In this capacity, Dick became a familiar face at such places as Capitol Records (Ultra-Lounge series) , Paramount Pictures, MGM/Sony and Vidfilm in Los Angeles and AVID records in England. For the latter company Dick engineered more than 30 jazz related projects including Louis Armstrong, Nat Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington CDs. On a personal note, I’d like to thank Dick for his remastering many historic recordings for me including Nordskog jazz recordings made in Los Angeles as early as 1921. This was done at the request of the Nordskog family. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordskog_Records">See Wikipedia</a>)<br /><br />Professional engineering organizations in which he has been active include the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, (NARAS) , the Audio Engineering Society (AES) , the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), and the Sapphire Society. He recently received an award as one of the six most interesting men in the Coachella Valley from the Palm Springs Woman's Press Club along with his friend of many years, Herb Jeffries. He is a recipient of the Southern California Motion Picture Council's Golden Halo Award for technical and musical achievement.<br /><br />Dick has been married to his beautiful wife, Sharon, for more than 40 years, has three sons and currently spreads much of his spare time doing volunteer work for such organizations as the Mizell Senior Center, the American Legion and the Institute of Critical Care Medicine.<br /><br /><br /><br />Floyd Levin<br />11361 Dona Lisa Drive<br />Studio City, CA 91604<br />818 983-0858<br /><br /><br />*****************************<br /><br />In 2003, following surgery for colon cancer, I retired from my audio related activities, severely cut back on my traveling and have since concentrated on performing music and lecturing on subjects from jazz to politics. "O we ain't got a barrel of money..." but we're now having a very nice life. Tests in early 2011 indicate there's no return of the cancer. Thank you, Lord.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">4-8-11<br /></div><br />I recently referred a potential consumer of my music to this blog. Her response was essentially “so what have you done lately”? Below is my answer:<br /><br />Since Floyd wrote the bio, I performed on piano at Davey’s Hideaway for 9 months, Cipollini for 18 months, and the Old Creek House for 9 months. Other fine restaurants/clubs that I’ve performed at include Trinidad and Le Vallauris.<br /><br />Every Wednesday I host a jam session at the Mizell Senior Center from 10 to noon. At the peak of our season we had 29 musicians show up and locked the doors before 10 am because the room was already filled to capacity with listeners. My “Unusual Suspects” Jazz Band plays most Friday nights at the American Legion.<br /><br />In addition to these activities, in the last three weeks, I’ve played for 700 attendees at Hotel Zozo, played twice at both the Four Seasons and Canyon Shores Country Clubs, played five parties in private homes and have donated more than a few hours of music to the Mizell Senior Center, The Stroke Recovery Center, my church and several nursing homes. I'm sure glad I've slowed down so much following my "retirement." :-)Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-14288646912023154612009-12-05T14:05:00.000-08:002009-12-05T15:05:38.363-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgMkWC5NPYEL9I6915iKTIkjHGPRQ1nlV3ixx5EypXNfQFEDtRROWmhoJGpc_TaaoJz3C2H5OuMcSwKbl3XEr8VUd1NBM9iJVmeOterA89RKBms668Br4F1ONLBR_9yHr-SoSW4f-AgQ/s1600-h/Dick+and+Frank.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgMkWC5NPYEL9I6915iKTIkjHGPRQ1nlV3ixx5EypXNfQFEDtRROWmhoJGpc_TaaoJz3C2H5OuMcSwKbl3XEr8VUd1NBM9iJVmeOterA89RKBms668Br4F1ONLBR_9yHr-SoSW4f-AgQ/s320/Dick+and+Frank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411891184431169938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow! A picture of Frank Sinatra and me!!!!</span></span></span></span><br />I believe I was playing bass with the Joe Massters Trio at Mr. Sinatra's golf tournament at the Canyon Hotel when the photo of Mr. Sinatra and myself was taken around 1975. while the big band was on it's break. I wish to thank Mr. Johnson for emailing this to me. In the 1970s I was blessed to be part of the best jazz trio in Palm Springs. While at the Club Trinidad for several years, we became Frank's home base as he and Joe became very close friends. I wasn't aware of the many famous players Joe Massters had worked with on the East Coast before he came to Palm Springs. In retrospect, all I can say is <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow! </span></span></span></span>See more about Mr. Massters and the monster players he worked with below.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-4345485872332975602009-12-05T13:32:00.001-08:002010-01-09T10:44:44.231-08:00Yesterday, I posted a brand new music video for you to enjoy. It's located at <a href=" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7HREzjxORg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7HREzjxORg</a><br />I recommend it to those who are concerned about what's happening behind closed doors in Washington D.C. And if you wish, you can sing along by following the bouncing ball. My technology was quite crude as I photographed video off of my monitor and used my camera's mic to pick up the sound from my speakers. As a pro audio guy, I don't recommend this technology to anyone. I had a cold as I recorded this so my voice actually sounds better than usual. Hmmmm. <br />****************************************<br />A few days ago I received the following email that included an ancient photo attachment of myself performing with Mr. Sinatra. Below is a reproduction of that email:<br /><br />----- Original Message -----<br />From: Frank Miller Johnson<br />To: Dick Broadie<br /><br />Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 4:48 PM<br />Subject: Anyone here you recognize?<br />Hi Dick. Just found your blog and still recognized you from a picture I've had for a long time. Thought you'd enjoy having this. I believe it was taken at Frank's golf tournament at the Canyon Hotel on Murray Canyon Drive around 1975. I understand that the building is no longer standing. Great memories from great days. Drop me an email and let you know what you think. I wish my scanner were of more recent vintage but this is about the best I can do.<br />I moved back to Chicago area about 15 years ago and really do miss Palm Springs as the days grow colder. Of course I miss you and your great jazz at the Biltmore and the Trinidad. Is Joe Massters still alive?. I'd love to get in touch with him. I look forward to hearing from you. Hope you enjoy the attached picture as much as I used to enjoy your fantastic jazz playing.<br />F M J<br /><br />****************************<br />I decided to do some research to update my knowledge on Joe and was amazed to find the following:<br />****************************<br />In the early 50's, Joe Massters was house pianist at George Wein's Storeyville in Boston. He worked with Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band, Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet with Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, and alongside artists such as Miles Davis and Bill Evans. He was accompanist-conductor for Johnny Mathis and Anita O'Day, including recording for Norman Granz' Verve label, performing at the first Newport Jazz Festival. His composition "The Jazz Mass" was recorded and released by Columbia Records during the early 60's, and has been performed internationally. He also appeared on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" . Moving to Palm Springs for the next 30 years, Joe became the premier singer/lounge performer of the desert jazz scene. Frank Sinatra called him "one of the best saloon singers in the business."<br />Chris Clark learned bass at jam sessions in south central LA with the likes of Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Bobby Hutcherson and Gerald Wiggins. He joined Les Brown's Band of Renoun at the age of 20, appearing in Jerry Lewis' "The Nutty Professor" and touring with Bob Hope's USO Christmas shows. He went on to work with Vic Damone, Della Reese, Chris Connor, Red Norvo, and the CBS staff band. Settling on Orcas Island in Washington State, he continues to perform with big bands and swingers.<br />****************************<br />I guess I spent too much time being in awe of Mr. Sinatra when equal awe should have been accorded to Mr. Massters. Click <a href="http://ponyboyrecords.com/files/massters_clark/clark.html">here</a> to go to Joe's Website and check out his latest CD. From the audio samples on this site, Joe sounds as if he's playing as well as ever. And that is very very well indeed!Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-8232975026870234612008-12-01T13:39:00.000-08:002008-12-01T13:48:47.559-08:00Forgot to mentionI'll be backing good friend Herb Jeffries at the Mizell Senior Center Christmas party on December 23rd. Should be good to see Herb again. He's still singing great at 97? Wow! Check my older posts on this site for a nice picture of Herb and myself. (Herb's the one worth looking at since he was much younger (96) when that picture was taken.)<br /><br />I'm participating in an ongoing speaker series at the center and do a presentation on the second Thursday of each month at 1 PM. Subject varies but always seems to include jazz. Hope you can make it by.<br /><br />Mizell Senior Center<br />480 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262<br />(760) 323-5689<br /><br /><table width="105" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="115"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"><b><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;" ></span></b><!--mstheme--></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><!--mstheme-->Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-78997550961347267942008-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:002008-12-01T10:40:44.518-08:00Really on top of thingsAfter more than a year of performing at Cipolline Restaurant here in Palm Springs, I've decided to cut back and just do private parties in addition to my performances at the Mizell Senior Center and various nursing homes. I'm still playing piano every Monday from 11 to 11:3o at the senior center and my jam session that I've been hosting for more than 12 years from 10 AM to Noon on Wednesdays is drawing about 15-20 musicians each session. In a week or two we'll have to pass out tickets and turn listeners away after the count reaches 120. (Fire dept. will shut us down if we exceed the room capacity.) If you're in the Palm Springs are, come and see the jam. I think you'll find it worth your time. If you're a player, bring your axe! While the music is quite good most of the time, it's our primary goal to see that everyone has a good time and that everybody gets their turn irrespective of their level of brilliance. While we usually play jazz and standards, a few cowboy and rock things also get sneaked in. Most importantly, we all have fun! I should warn you that if you are inclined to request Glenn Miller's "In the Mood", please remember to bring a crisp $100 bill with you. Sorry! American Express, Visa and Master Card are not accepted. :-) http://www.mizell.org/Pages/music.htm<br /><br />I hope to update this again before another six months get past. If you need a one man band or a live group, please contact me. I love doing those private parties!<br /><br />In the meantime I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (Boy will these wishes be out of date by the time I get back to this blog!)<br /><br />If you want to see my bio and stuff it's waaaaaaaaaaaaay back on this site somewhere. I do plan to reorganize this site one of these days but in the meantime don't hold your breath! :-)Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-4989973315339179532008-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:002008-01-14T16:27:42.285-08:00Am now performing on piano at Cipolline in Palm SpringsFrom 6 to 9 P.M. every Monday and Tuesday I'm playing piano at Cipolline Italian restaurant located at 1260 S. Palm Canyon Drive (across the street from the former Cedar Creek Inn) in Palm Spings. We'd love to see you in attendance. The food is excellent, so far as I can determine by my taste buds and the comments from others. Prices are reasonable and serving portions are sufficient for all but the hungriest.<br /><br />It's very likely that guest musicians and singers will show up from time to time as seems to happen where ever I play. Come and be surprised just like I am inasmuch as I never quite know what's going to happen on a given night. But we always seem to have fun irregardless of what happens.<br /><br />I'm still hosting my jam session every Wednesday from 10 to noon at the Mizell Senior Center (corner of Ramon Road and Sunrise way in Palm Springs). I also play solo piano there every Monday from 11 to 11:30 for the lunch crowd. Price is $4.00 for a very nice lunch.<br /><br />For the time being I'm no longer at the American Legion on Friday nights. After having the band there for more than 10 years, I decided that I'd like to make myself available for private parties on week-ends and so far things are working out nicely. If you're interested in hireing me either as a one man band or with my live group or as a solo pianist, please contact me at 760.325.8181. <br /><br />I'm sorry to be so inattentive to updating this blog. I forgot my password and had troubles logging on. Hey! Don't give me a rough time. I still remember where I live and recognize my bride of nearly 40 years on sight! :-)<br /><br />DickRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-91485421611342611202007-09-04T14:08:00.000-07:002007-09-04T16:45:19.844-07:00Waverly Iowa reunion.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtelAyFjjoWNQgAvTLHlvhdbGe63PLbYJ40A70MDqvVGYkttZN8R5aXyJqWPFYzsj2t5pi5aVtdY_3JMmAg3W3KXyVtN5yLVmEaFQa3j5hYvMyquiDaOrkSyoRIZ7fj0AkrNQdIonOjio/s1600-h/Dick+and+Sharon+2005-2006+new+years.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106462264401661602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtelAyFjjoWNQgAvTLHlvhdbGe63PLbYJ40A70MDqvVGYkttZN8R5aXyJqWPFYzsj2t5pi5aVtdY_3JMmAg3W3KXyVtN5yLVmEaFQa3j5hYvMyquiDaOrkSyoRIZ7fj0AkrNQdIonOjio/s400/Dick+and+Sharon+2005-2006+new+years.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In a few days the Waverly (Iowa) High School class of '57 will be holding their 50th reunion. Being in total denial that I could possibly be a member of such an ancient group, I do not plan to travel the more than two thousand miles that would be mandated for my attendance and return home. (Could the fact that my doctor thinks I'm far too old and brittle to be that far away from his care and constant supervision possibly also be a factor? Naaaaw!)</div><br /><div>In order to firmly establish my claims of ongoing youth, I've included a recent a photo of my wonderful wife, Sharon, and myself (see above) that was secretly taken by paparazzi as we were casually attempting to shop for bathroom plumbing parts at the local Palm Springs Wal*Mart store.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Seriously, I sincerely wish it were possible for us to attend and do send my warmest greetings to each and every one of my classmates. May God continue to long bless the WHS Class of '57!</div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-16685498739838941232007-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:002007-09-05T14:02:05.115-07:00Herb Jeffries sings great at LA Jazz Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F-iyqwZrgPBa3kE2LmgIaSyMdZZ1SHiHDEgxCEHH2KqSu20dLbyqVUi-toExkuT_ymhGdOLD7pHoIWtOEUNccENNA7i9sg4h4gKZcgMS7_0jjcXgUIFTy_N4G8G9TcwFDFIudasj2J4/s1600-h/Dick+Broadie+and+Herb+Jeffries+text.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106828240407225442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F-iyqwZrgPBa3kE2LmgIaSyMdZZ1SHiHDEgxCEHH2KqSu20dLbyqVUi-toExkuT_ymhGdOLD7pHoIWtOEUNccENNA7i9sg4h4gKZcgMS7_0jjcXgUIFTy_N4G8G9TcwFDFIudasj2J4/s400/Dick+Broadie+and+Herb+Jeffries+text.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygvBaSx6o65hjMX_n-VpWEdsETJoaocTRcCN0rZCE9Qo2AZ393yM_8qEKP4adeJ3efjhU_E1iS9WvfIeWoNp6o_cvwFtVfbA-ZOHZ3kJjCIDO2fxPiFhquQwdXMClbb9tWrF4Ze6zi0E/s1600-h/Dick+Broadie+and+Herb+Jeffries+text.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Just got back from Sweet 'n Hot jazz festival in Los Angeles where I performed very little but had the pleasure of announcing for about the 20th year in a row. Was reunited with many friends including Herb Jeffries. When Herb was around age 70, we discussed the possiblity of my becoming his musical director. I decided against it thinking it would have been a very short engagement. Now I realize that there are lots of folks who started careers in many fields on that very day that are at this time retired on a full pension. Oh, well, maybe I can still become Herb's music director. If I started today. Herb would only be about 120 years old, give or take a year at the time I could claim my 25 year retirement pension from this gig.</div><br /><div>As you likely know, Herb had a major hit recording of Flamingo with Duke Ellington, that was recorded within days of my birth in 1939. You can see a video of it at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmMzUMCIIg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmMzUMCIIg</a><br /><div></div>After watching the above link that features a bit of Johnny Hodges along with Herb, I've just found a site claiming Herb to be the worlds oldest rapper. Dig him at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8wJdy2ivMg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8wJdy2ivMg</a> to see this amazing man at work in a very recent performance. To be honest with you, I still prefer his performance of Flamingo, a song I witnessed him do brilliantly just a day or two ago. Remarkable!</div></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-17999585093772040492007-07-17T18:54:00.000-07:002007-07-17T18:56:31.769-07:00UpdateHave been offline for quite sometime. Am no longer gigging at Daveys. Am now performing as one man band at Elks Club across from Trader Joes in Cathedral City on Friday evenings. Please stop by and say hello if you're in the neighborhood.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-55027617578683047052007-03-22T09:40:00.000-07:002007-03-22T21:39:49.028-07:00Barney Bigard Tribute video<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTfMVPSzFD8u-uYLKDYRRsww4dBWZXsOkGF2uegfQzt2KvrO-P1Lym2yHQihDk4XB1ozKaR4H5KCDuWAdNu6brV_PYRYVDkVMwjt-Irs4L4TSx1NHuw2qh16-rJeyvJIr80c2QcpE5ro/s1600-h/Barney+and+Dick.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTfMVPSzFD8u-uYLKDYRRsww4dBWZXsOkGF2uegfQzt2KvrO-P1Lym2yHQihDk4XB1ozKaR4H5KCDuWAdNu6brV_PYRYVDkVMwjt-Irs4L4TSx1NHuw2qh16-rJeyvJIr80c2QcpE5ro/s400/Barney+and+Dick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044821041078980530" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Please <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6301299077892678176"><span style="font-weight: bold;">click here</span></a> to see a 6 minute video clip of my "Vintage Jammers" performing Mood Indigo as a tribute to my late friend, Barney Bigard. The 101st anniversary of his birth occurred a week before this session was taped.<br /><br />My friend Bill Harre from Gaylord, Michigan is featured on piano along with myself on clarinet. Some comments on Mr. Bigard conclude this video that was taped on March 14, 2007. The clip opens with a photo of Barney and Dottie Bigard that I believe I took at a jazz picnic in Glendale, CA circa 1966 and closes with a photo taken by the late Dr. Ed Lawless of Barney and myself around that same time in Winnetka, Ca. (see above)<br /><br />Once again I wish to express my profound appreciation to the musicians who keep showing up at my Mizell Senior Center jam sessions every week. As has become the norm, the room was packed beyond seating capacity with "snow birds" from all over the world who are inclined to visit Palm Springs this time of the year and our "regulars" who continue to be with us throughout the summer months when "hot" jazz is our only option.<br /><br />Finally a special thanks to Dr. Petermann who bravely operated a video camera for the first time in his life as he captured the footage shown in the clip. We'd prefer to describe his efforts as being "artistic" rather than admit that we didn't show him how to focus or use the zoom features on the camera. In any case, I'm delighted that these special moments were captured and that we can share them with you.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-50335836540684628092007-03-15T01:21:00.001-07:002007-03-15T02:53:18.288-07:00Desert Swing 'N Dixie Festival a success!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oGyFTOahV8OWX7mqYeqUjZnvbhTeIaA0khqIZnS83rDp8Y-G3edwceUkMBuzgakI8QowqSa1IGAHuDwDXpNUepoUqFxCssoUKs77CllDxON15eBwPZzzwKNFhy-ayQr7kiXvr5Rvp8k/s1600-h/Dick+Broadie+and+his+Unusual+Suspects.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042064087511708450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oGyFTOahV8OWX7mqYeqUjZnvbhTeIaA0khqIZnS83rDp8Y-G3edwceUkMBuzgakI8QowqSa1IGAHuDwDXpNUepoUqFxCssoUKs77CllDxON15eBwPZzzwKNFhy-ayQr7kiXvr5Rvp8k/s400/Dick+Broadie+and+his+Unusual+Suspects.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://richardbroadie.blogspot.com/2007/03/desert-sun-newspaper-covers-my-jam_04.html">My guys played fantastically well!</a><br />Dick Broadie and his Unusual Suspects sounded suspicially great at a recent jazz festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUQCx8DMQrRfPH-XtDHUzLFVppDp-Ot0hsHBC-VK09md_w8mkcxekgX6yiXOnYJ0CAJ3Q4ebBjSaARitkzxBHIoG7C-AqCstMu_qtWfoGaEsrQg3r5jYDudm6OGoAh0XaCjucXQB-fOQ/s1600-h/Dick+Broadie+and+his+Unusual+Suspects.jpg"></a> in Palm Springs.<br />pictured: some of Roy Bain, bass; Dick Broadie, keyboard; JackDavis, clarinet; JimOgden, trumpet; Russ Gremillot, trombone. Not pictured is our great drummer, Terry Boyne. I was delighted the way my Unusual Suspects performed in their usually excellent manner. I'd like to thank the members of Coyote Hills Jazz Band for joining us at our jam session set. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-70305745093457532492007-03-15T01:10:00.000-07:002007-03-15T02:57:14.523-07:00Thank you Desert Sun and Richard Guzman<div align="left">Please <a style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" href="http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/LIFESTYLES01/703040305/1050"><strong>click here</strong></a> to see the Palm Springs Desert Sun's article about my weekly jam session. Be sure to click on the Audio Slideshow Senior Jazz link on the Desert Sun's website to actually see and hear us perform. I'm not certain how long this stuff will be online so I encourage you to visit it as soon as possible. </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-46574238533722350622007-03-14T22:29:00.001-07:002007-03-15T02:54:38.241-07:00Roy Bain and Marktwain Hanna<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_oKjnrIV4zak/RfjaD9bjsxI/AAAAAAAAABI/RCLRlYqLqgc/s1600-h/Roy+Bain+and+++Marktwain+Hanna.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042019544405881618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_oKjnrIV4zak/RfjaD9bjsxI/AAAAAAAAABI/RCLRlYqLqgc/s400/Roy+Bain+and+++Marktwain+Hanna.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since Roy Bain's head can only be slightly seen in the Unusual </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Suspect photo above, here's a picture of the versatile Mr. Bain playing piano with fine bassist Mr. Hanna lending his full support. </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-66935573363915997112007-03-14T22:14:00.001-07:002007-03-15T02:54:59.549-07:00Terry Boyne<div align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_oKjnrIV4zak/RfjWoNbjsvI/AAAAAAAAAA0/nReVL_WD57M/s1600-h/Terry+Boyne+1-31-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042015769129628402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_oKjnrIV4zak/RfjWoNbjsvI/AAAAAAAAAA0/nReVL_WD57M/s400/Terry+Boyne+1-31-07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Terry Boyne is the swinging drummer who's picture didn't make it<br />above with the Unusual Suspects.<br />So HERE'S TERRY! In addition to being a regular "Suspect," Terry contributes to the excitement to our jam session every week. </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-19714036686996619652007-03-04T09:23:00.001-08:002007-03-15T02:55:31.847-07:00Some Jam Sessions<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">Mizell Senior Center and American Legion gigs in</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"> Palm Springs</span><br /></div>Regular Jam Sessions are held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 every Wednesday at the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs. The Jam Sessions are organized and led by Dick Broadie, who was once recognized as one of the most interesting men in the Coachella Valley. Dick Broadie is one of those unique talents that the desert is proud to have as their very own. He is one of those rare and gifted musicians that plays numerous instruments, and plays them well. His resume includes a long list of performances with many headline acts that include Frank Sinatra, Hoagy Carmichael and Buddy Rogers to name only a few. You can catch Dick Broadie performing for lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every Monday at the Mizell Senior Center, 480 South Sunrise Way in Palm Springs, and on Friday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 400 North Belardo Road.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-32065510809763152082007-02-17T23:07:00.000-08:002007-03-15T02:55:57.858-07:00Listen to a sample of my weekly jazz jam session.<object id="audioplayer4293" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="24" width="290" data="http://www.podbean.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/player.swf"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></object><br />Click on the arrow to hear KWXY radio personality Scott Ellsworth's broadcast of "Take the A Train" from our Feb 7, 2007 jam session along with his recitation of a relevant poem and some cogent observations. (total playing time is about 12 minutes)<br /><br />Our musicians range from very professional to very not professional. Keep in mind that we have no music to guide us (or get in our way) along with some musicians who can ONLY play while reading music. Our soloists do some nice work but, from his grave, Spike Jones may be jealous of our first and last choruses! The term "cacophony" rather well describes the efforts of our 20+ musicians during those magical if not musical moments. But every thing's really alright since the objective of our session has little to do with music and everything to do with camaraderie and fun.<br /><br />I've been hosting this session at the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs every Wednesday from 10 to noon weekly for about 7 years. If you are (or think you might be) a musician, stop by and bring your "axe" (instrument). Listeners are welcome as well. Come early or you may have to stand. For reasons not fully understood, we usually pack the house. And, again, we do have fun!<br /><br />You may remember Scott Ellsworth for his wonderful "Scott's Place" that was on the air on KFI in Los Angeles in the 1960s wherein he interviewed and played the music of virtually every significant jazz artist who lived or performed there.<br /><br /><br />Below is the poem that Vi Grisanti mailed to Mr. Ellsworth. She was kind enough to give me a copy of it as well. I am delighted by it! Thank you Vi!<br /><br />A Tribute To Broadie's "Vintage Jammers"<br /><br />Here they come from all walks of life, with their special talents.<br />Some come early, some later, all lugging their precious instruments in their weathered cases. A few at a slower pace than others, all headed for the same destination.<br />You wonder, "Are they going to make it?"<br />At a glance, you begin to think you're in the wrong place.<br />You thought you were going to a jam session. These guys don't look like they could do very much.<br />Then Broadie asks, "What shall we play?" Someone yells out a title. They pick up their instruments and something magical happens. The room starts to jump with energy. Their musical talent fills the air, and the audience is transformed to another place, another time.<br />They are masters of their music, ageless, and very sure of themselves. These wonderful sounds come from their very souls, doing what they love to do, with such vibrance!<br />The audience feels fortunate to be in their midst, and everyone is young again.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-37078352436046637732007-02-17T20:04:00.000-08:002007-09-04T15:38:50.904-07:00Musical and spoken tribute to Gerald Ford on TVThe Channel 3 news crew requested that I perform one of President Ford's favorite songs and discuss my personal recollections of him. My comments are heard at the beginning and conclusion of this news item on Mr. Ford's contributions to the Palm Springs area. My piano playing is heard throughout. If the flash player doesn't work below you can also see this video at <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8185957525239212761">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8185957525239212761</a> <p></p> <embed id="VideoPlayback" style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 326px" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="" hl="en"></embed>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308043508033309359.post-88674838532549157092007-02-17T19:19:00.000-08:002007-03-15T02:49:00.201-07:00President Ford's final P.S. departure - photosOn December 30th, 2006 I took photos of Air Force One as it departed the Palm Springs International Airport with the remains of the late President. As a musician I preformed for him several times and felt honored to do so.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRBQpNKcjELAOGVxvskOve_IO3mf-EyEM-9RCsPhfrREZlAC5Ww5GsMP45EkYrtfpCfYovBSa0J7SqHfQjR1agzbpjbV4KLRnE3XrOxssXBoOL_soA4pUHAVPAmSqEsKspGuRKqammAE/s1600-h/Gerald+Ford+PSP+AF1+Taxi++4-3+aspect.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032716103433285714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRBQpNKcjELAOGVxvskOve_IO3mf-EyEM-9RCsPhfrREZlAC5Ww5GsMP45EkYrtfpCfYovBSa0J7SqHfQjR1agzbpjbV4KLRnE3XrOxssXBoOL_soA4pUHAVPAmSqEsKspGuRKqammAE/s400/Gerald+Ford+PSP+AF1+Taxi++4-3+aspect.jpg" border="0" /></a>The photo above shows Air Force One taxing into position. The below photo shows the moment of take-off. Mt. San Jacinto can be seen in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-6atNuLDKUWzI1Ao9u1BBEl754Bjfo7yidV8Nzwz7fdQHUBnLi27PDANpv5AVwGz_qH8LiGS8rFsAk9fhTnQPHir6Wd6jtaMq44OXjrfHFhvo1KjraKJnchBVQtho4PSkwE1I_WeQAg/s1600-h/Gerald+Ford+PSP+AF1+lift+off++16-9+aspect.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715794195640386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-6atNuLDKUWzI1Ao9u1BBEl754Bjfo7yidV8Nzwz7fdQHUBnLi27PDANpv5AVwGz_qH8LiGS8rFsAk9fhTnQPHir6Wd6jtaMq44OXjrfHFhvo1KjraKJnchBVQtho4PSkwE1I_WeQAg/s400/Gerald+Ford+PSP+AF1+lift+off++16-9+aspect.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A day or so after the last time he and Betty danced to my music, I tried to pass a motorcade on a local highway because I was going to be late to a gig. As I pulled parallel to a stretch limo, a motorcycle officer pulled in front of me and held up his hand gesturing that I should not pass. At that moment the limo driver honked and got the officer's attention and indicated it was okay for me to proceed. As I glanced in the back seat, I saw President Ford smiling at me as he too was waving me to pass him. From my perspective it appeared that the President had recognized me and had given me a special "pass." Although I never saw him again, from that time on I felt as if he somehow were my friend. Incidentally, I did make it to my gig barely on time. The President's kindness had made a difference that evening.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05617790976602335869noreply@blogger.com0