ESSENER JAZZ TAGE ’61 [multiple signed].

Description

Grugahalle, Essen April 1961 concert program (Michel+Kieser)


Unique, one of a kind, original vintage concert program produced for the 1961 Essener Jazz Tage which took place at the Grugahalle in Essen [Germany] on 14th & 15th April, 1961, presented by Ralf Schulte-Bahrenberg. The first day of the two-day festival was headlined by the Thelonious Monk Quartet, at the time featuring tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Orr, and drummer Frankie Dunlop. Also performing on the opening day were the Hans Koller Brass Band; Rita Reys with the Pim Jacobs Trio; the Kenny Clarke—Francy Boland Big Band featuring trombonist Jay Jay Johnson; and the Newport Dixieland All Stars featuring Ruby Braff, Pee Wee Russell, Vic Dickenson, George Wein, Jimmy Wood, and Buzzy Drooten. Day two featured the Johnny Dankworth Orchestra; the Kenny Clarke Trio; the Bud Powell Trio; the Art Taylor—Jackie McLean Quartet with Jay Jay Johnson; Roland Kirk; and the Buck Clayton All Stars featuring Emmett Berry, Dickie Wells, Earl Warren, Buddy Tate, Sir Charles Thompson, Gene Ramey, Oliver Jackson, and Jimmy Witherspoon. The program has been authentically signed by a large number of the performing artists, including arguably two of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. Bud Powell autographed material is very scarce in any form. The scarcity can be partly attributed to his short and troubled life which was deeply compromised by mental and physical illness, alcohol and drug abuse. Monk’s autograph remains one of the most sought after of all jazz signatures. This is a fine example of his characteric “Good luck, Thelonious Monk” signature. A rare opportunity to have both piano maestros’ signatures collected in the same program. The program also features the signatures of drummer Frankie Dunlop, trombonist Jay Jay Johnson, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, double bassist Jimmy Woode, drummer Kenny Clarke, drummer Art Taylor, organist Lou Bennett, trombonist Vic Dickenson, tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, alto saxophonist Earl Warren, pianist Charles Thompson, double bassist Gene Ramey, trumpeter Buck Clayton, drummer Oliver Jackson, trombonist Dickie Wells, trumpeter Emmett Berry and jump blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon.

In original pictorial matte-coated wrappers, perfect bound, 22.9 x 22.7 cm, 36 pp. Program notes in German by Joachim-Ernst Berendt. Light wear to spine and extremities and two punch holes to the margin. All inside pages are fine. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have concerning this item. Additional images of the program available on request.