Chris White Sucks: Jazz Stories

Since my days in the Springton Lake Middle School jazz band, I've been a huge fan of the music. So in 2008 I was thrilled to discover that Seattle's KPLU was airing these amazing 30-second interview clips with some true legends. If you're an American or know one, you owe it to yourself to have a listen. If you own a radio station and would like to play some of these on your programming, zap me a message at chris@dcstandup.com. I can get you in touch with the proper authorities.

Amazing Tales Told by the Artists Themeselves

Allyson Green on meeting your idol.
Arthur Zenger talks about the problem with bebop.
Bill Flanders describes the brotherhood of jazz.
Charlie Buttons on bad managers.
Christian McCoy on the rewards of the jazz lifestyle.
Chuck Brocklin explains why jazz is male-dominated.
Clara Philips on the power of the "Downbeat" jazz poll.
Dave Johnson tells us about train travel.
Dave Johnson on the "jungle sound."
Earl Rivers explains jazz history.
Earl Rivers on coronet player Buddy Bolden.
Franklin Foster tells the story of his biggest recording hit.
Franklin Foster on the blues.
Fred Fuller talks about improvising.
Howard Dawkins on using the venue's piano.
Jackie Allen on scoping out Charlie Parker.
James Handy is huge in Japan.
Jeanette Robinson on "quoting" in jazz solos.
Jimmy Monroe tells you about songwriting.
Mamie Dupree on her European tour.
Melvin Watts tells his Chet Baker story.
Milo Frost tells us about crazy practicing habits.
Milton Seacrest on Dizzy's legacy.
Murray Sullivan on finding innovative new sounds.
Pete Francis talks about playing baseball on the road.
Philadelphia Myers on stealing ideas from other musicians.
Six Finger Rollins explains his nickname.
Skins Malloy on the difficulty of recording drums.
Slim Solomon explains "rent parties."
William Arthur on the birth of Fourth Stream jazz.

Longer Stories

Amazingly, there are also a few longer-form jazz stories on file.

Drumstick Jones. The legendary trumpet player speaks. (6:00)
Mamie Dupree. The vocalist talks about the joy music has brought. (6:40)
Six Lips Walker. The be-bop trumpet player explains his nickname. (4:00)
Sammy Stanwick. The cool jazz saxaphonist discusses his education. (4:30)
Oscar Prince. The trombonist talks about travel. (5:49)