The record changer (Mar 1945-Feb 1946)

lemME take this chorus Gene Deitch, whose drawings have appeared in the last few issues of the Record Changer, has created an interesting character whom we will call "The Cat." This individual is distinguished by his peculiarly shaped head, his plastic glasses, and the "cosmic rays" which from time to time seem to emanate from his person or from nearby objects. Mr. Deitch's cartoons amount to clever burlesques of the jazz music fan, who, having lost sight of his goal in life, has redoubled his effort. Gene admits that the experiences of "The Cat" closely parallel his own, and thus he emerges as a jazz fan with enough perspective to laugh at himself. It is hoped that Mr. Deitch will keep "The Cat" cartoons coming. It is also hoped that collectors who share in the laughter will send us gags from their own experiences in the jazz collecting field, for which Mr. Deitch will supply the panels. Credit for the laugh will be given in each drawing. * * * Everyone is making money except Gullickson. Listen to this : "High bids on some of the records I advertised in the November Record Changer were — King Oliver, Gennett 5134, $135 ; Gennett 5135, $160; and Gennett 5184, $135."— W. R. Hearne, Hollywood, Calif. * * * Meredith Havens, old time jazz collector from Trenton, N. J., is just out of the army and back in the insurance business. He has started work on developing an insurance policy which will cover phonograph record collections against all the hazards to which they are subjected. I am sure that there are a large number of collectors who would be quite interested in protecting what in many cases represents an enormous investment. We hope that Mr. Havens will keep us posted on this new idea. * * * The Record Changer has established, let us say, "Editorial Offices" in the rear basement of 2016 P Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. Readers in the vicinity who would like to get an idea of how the European underground worked during the war are invited to drop by and say hello to the editor and other animals that abound therein. Telephone number is Columbia 5910. JUt that Tout -flit Out I THIS IS OUR LETTERS DEPARTMENT All communications are printed, provided they are submitted on post cards and are confined to 100 words. The fantasy, "Jazz Looks Ahead," in your December issue was in even lower taste than usual for your publication on these themes. Particularly amusing was the part of the article concerning the juggling of drumsticks by The Hamp and his regular drummer ; on page 7 of the same issue your Mr. Ramsey goes into ecstasies describing how the incomparable Baby Dodds throws sticks about, "Shakes like jelly on a plate," and so on. Most regrettable, these inconsistencies.— B. S., Jr., Frederick, Md. (Editor's Note: Hrummmp. Kaff Kaff.) * * * As yet I have not received my December copy of your swell magazine. A thing like this shouldn't happen to Ernest Borneman. Incidently, with each copy of your magazine you should send your subscribers a copy of Webesters' International so that we would understand what Ernest is talking about. Mr. Pryor is also getting in the same groove. Shame on both of them. — E. F. B., Corte Madera, Calif. (Correct spelling is "incidentally" and "Webster's." — Ed.) * * * Why the hell doesn't Decca release some of those great sides Charlie Barnet cut not long ago? Charlie jumps like mad on Gulf Coast Blues, In There, Pow Wow, and others. Decca continues to release commercial junk by Lombardo, The Andrews Sisters and Jimmy Dorsey, but they put Barnet, Hampton and Herman on the shelf. Woody got smart and cut out to join Columbia. See what happened. Perhaps Barnet and Hamp will do the same. Here's hoping. — H. W., New York City. * * * I bought an old album by John Kirby. It featured his old band with such outstanding jazzmen as Buster Bailey, O'Neil Spencer, Charlie Shavers and Russell Procope. While listening to these recordings, what got my attention was the golden tone of the saxophone played by Procope. This man I never heard before buying these records. I would like to read some information on his whereabouts in a future issue of this column. — J. F., Waterbury, Conn. * * * In my opinion Mr. Simms' story on St. Louis jazz in the November issue was excellent. Also on the plus side was that group pose by Creath's musicians, one of the most "alive" band photos I have seen. Also, for my 16%., Mr. Dodge is doing quite well as a critic. He gets his ideas across in language that is fresh and informed and free from analysis by means of technical terms (that bane of music criticism in general). — J. P. M., Brooklyn, N. Y. * * * I am in complete agreement with W. G. who wants to organize a "moldy fig" movement. I would like to be the first to apply for a charter, life, or whathave-you membership. "Down with Feather, up with the real jazz." Let our battle cry bring down Leonard's tower as did Joshua's at Jericho.— J. F. S., Sheboygan, Wis. * * * Who said it wouldn't pay to advertise sweet records in your mag? I was told by a few New Orleans minded friends that I would be lucky to get a 25c bid on most of my records. Since my ad in the December issue I have been deluged with mail and still they're coming. A few comments : "Best ad I've seen yet," "At last, — a sweet ad," etc. And look at the bids, — $3.50 for some Duchin, Reisman and Isham Jones; $4.00 for Coslow's ; $4.00 for a Bestor ; $4.00 for a Lombardo ! How's that, you jazz collectors? — T. P., Anacortes, Wash. FEBRUARY, 1946 4