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Columns exist for a reason. Readers. No readers, no column. While most of the time I write about jazz, the number of jazz fans in the United States has taken a sharp downturn over the past couple of decades. At one time, jazz album sales amounted to roughly 15% of all music sales. Today, sales have declined to a mere 3%, a statistic that must rip through the hearts of all devoted jazz admirers.
Yet, apparently "Powerssound" has rattled the bushes, exposing to the world that few oddballs who find jazz palatable and who enjoy being informed of the newest releases from the jazz community. Publisher Rod Amis has permitted me to continue my obsessive love affair with jazz, an affair now flaming for more than a half-century. (I was very young when I first heard jazz, I hasten to point out.)
A jazz columnist cannot exist with the cooperation of record companies. While major labels generally consider me beneath contempt, the independent companies have made it possible to maintain the column without bankrupting the author. I am particularly indebted to Concord Records, home to such major stars as Chick Corea and Rosemary Clooney. Dear Audrey Faine of Concord has patiently answered by inquiries and sees to it that the newest albums promptly reach my home.
| WARNING!
YOU are now only ONE WEEK AWAY from the gala 100th POWERSSOUND music review. This is your chance to win the Fantasy Records 4-CD box set of "West Coast Jazz." We'll send it to you FREE, GRATIS, ON THE HOUSE just for writing in to Bob Powers. See Details in this column. Hurry! This has been an Internet warning. You may now return to the regularly scheduled music extravaganza. |
Those who enjoy the swing sounds of the '30s and '40s can find plenty to entertain on albums from the Arbors Records label. With such stars as cornetist Ruby Braff and many other stellar performers, Arbors has grown in stature over the past few years.
One of the oldest and finest jazz labels is the venerable Fantasy Records out in San Francisco. The company has been in business about the same time that I've been a fan. Under the Milestone and other labels, Fantasy produces both new material and gems from the vaults, enhanced by the latest sound technology. The Fantasy catalogs are practically a who's who of jazz, from Dave Brubeck to Stan Getz.
As a way of rewarding readers and marking the 100th column, my boss suggested that I come up with a contest. For the past two weeks, I have been rolling around various ideas in my head (it's a very big head) and nothing really interesting has popped out.
Having failed miserably at designing a contest, I now turn to you the loyal readers who turn to this address every week in search of my latest recommendations. Should I have an essay contest, with the winner getting some nice prize of a jazz CD or perhaps a book? Or would you prefer to settle for a luck-of-the-draw event, being chosen the winner by how my big toe throbs when I see your e-mail on my monitor screen?
Or do you have a better idea? Step up and let your desires be voiced. Obviously, creativity will win the award. And my choice will be final, which is the way these things work.
The prize? A beautiful boxed set of 4 Fantasy CDs called "West Coast Jazz," featuring many of the major performers in jazz history, from Chet Baker to Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis to Dexter Gordon.
Write me with your contest suggestions at: rpowers@ee.net
