Bix 'n' Leo Smith?

[Bill Barton]

Doing my radio show a couple of weeks ago, a most intriguing parallel was cited by a listener. I'd be very interested in responses from regulars here, especially Bix Beiderbecke fanatics. After playing "Anoa's Prophecy" from Wadada Leo Smith's N'Da Culture (with Thomas Mapfumo and Blacks Unlimited) CD, Dreams & Secrets, a very perceptive listener called up to request Bix, citing the similarities in tone, etc. Hmmmmm... This had never occurred to me. She was right on! Think about it. Too bad there wasn't any Bix in the library to play.


This was originally posted over at AAJ with no responses. I'll bet that you guys can come up with some pithy comments!

[Bill Barton]

Originally posted by David Gitin
Of course I never heard Bix in person, but Leo often plays with a full sound I don't associate with Bix...

Good point, David. I wonder, though, how much of that lack of fullness can be attributed to the primitive recording technology of the day.

[Clay Fink]

I just got the Mosaic Bix/Tram?Tea box so I'll have to do an A/B test. I have very little Smith in my collection: just the trio with Kowald and Summer, the ECM LP, an early Braxton and a John Lindberg CD. I'll have a listen.

I've always thought that Lester Bowie sounded like Louis Prima (i.e. on trumpet).