Willie and Dwike

[rollhead]

Years ago, before I was really into jazz, I read this great book by William Zinsser (the author of On Writing Well) on the Mitchell-Ruff duo. the earlier, out of print edition was called "Willie and Dwike."

Unfortunately, I never picked up any of their music. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Ron Thorne]

Thanks for starting this thread, rollhead. I'd forgotten about these two characters, both damned good musicians, too.

Unfortunately, I don't own any of their recordings, either, but have heard and played a fair amount of their material when I worked in radio.

Some of these will likely be difficult to find.

• Jazz Mission to Moscow
• Appearing Nightly
• The Sound of Music
• Virtuoso Elegance in Jazz



I just saw and read reviews on Amazon of an intriguing album titled Breaking The Silence - Standards, Strayhorn & Lullabies, which celebrates the second publication of William Zissner's book.

Here's the story on that recording, according to Willie Ruff.

Here's a link to Willie Ruff's website. Apparently, they're still gigging.

What a fascinating pair of musicians.

[bostontricky]

There was a Dizzy Gillespie/Mitchell-Ruff CD out awhile back on Mainstream; if I wasn't picking up Mrs. Tricky at Logan in 45 minutes I'd tell you more...

(you'll have to wait for me to get back, or for the chorus to step in)

[Peterdubya]

Man, what a great book that is....
Right after I read it, they played in San Jose....
I ahve a couple of records that they are on, I'll post them tomorrow.
I doubt there are any CD's....

[clinthopson]

I have the Concert with DIz. Wonderful stuff.

[rollhead]

They celebrated their 50th anniversary as a duo last year.

My group -- the Hudson Valley Friends of Jazz -- is considering bringing them in for one in our duo-concert series. (Apparently Steve Wilson has been suggesting them for years, and I am joining the chorus.)

[hornplayer]

They are still out there performing, and, I understand, recording, as well. No has-beens, they!

Check out http://www.willieruff.com/

[Uli]

Originally Posted by Peterdubya

Man, what a great book that is....

Yep!