Back in the late 50's there was a small bar in Times Square called the Metropole. All the great players at the time came there to just play together after they were done at their regular jobs. Gene Krupa, Hampton, Basis, etc..the list is long would play on a small stage until early in the morning. The other standout, believe it or not was the Dutchess County Fair in New York. The owner of the oldest continuing working hotel in the country, (e.g. Beekman Arms) had contacts with some of the greatest older players. Each year he gave them free room and board and they would come together for one night of jazz at the fair. They also had a lady singer from Harlem who had to be 80 but one of the best I have ever heard. It was interesting as one of them had a farm in Pa, etc. Carvella (of the ice cream fame) use to drive his Limo on the gounds next to the tent and just listen to the great music. I have been to concerts in the round with Tony Bennett, Ray Charles,et al and they were all terrific but these two continue to stand out in my memory. What wonderful memories of true music. Unfortunately today's is more shouting and whinning. What a loss to the generation of today.
