infrogmation: (Default)
infrogmation ([personal profile] infrogmation) wrote2010-04-15 02:50 pm

Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was one of the great geniuses and giants of jazz, one of the first to take what was a New Orleans musical folk tradition and turn it into a virtuoso art form loved around the world.



5 years ago, one of his saxophones sold for Euro 120,000 (US$140,000).

"Bechet to me was the very epitome of jazz... everything he played in his whole life was completely original. I honestly think he was the most unique man to ever be in this music." —Duke Ellington

The Bechet childhood home still stands on Marais Street, 7th Ward, New Orleans. Sidney Bechet grew up here with his brother trombonist Leonard Bechet. His first band, the Silver Bell Orchestra, rehearsed here.

Bechet Marais Exterior 4

There's no plaque.

There's also no door, and only part of a roof.

A view of the interior:

Bechet Marais Inside Left 3

Can you imagine, say, Mozart's house in Salzburg being left to decay like this?

Can you imagine, say, Mozart's house in Salzburg being left to decay like this?

[identity profile] jdquintette.livejournal.com 2010-04-15 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
No, of course not.

But you see, Americans don't give a fuck about art. Especially art made by n**gers.

Hope that clears up that little mystery for you.

[identity profile] plinko.livejournal.com 2010-04-16 03:15 pm (UTC)(link)
That's so damn wrong. :(

[identity profile] docbrite.livejournal.com 2010-04-17 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
I didn't know that. It's a disgrace, but thank you for pointing it out.

[identity profile] docbrite.livejournal.com 2010-04-17 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
P.S. Of all the post-K flood-and-damp images seared into my brain, I think I hate those drooping ceiling fans the most.

[identity profile] russian-maid.livejournal.com 2010-05-03 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
hi, didn't know about him. But looked on internet, very interesting.
will be nice to restor the house.
larisa