Corry Bros Mouthpieces -Jazz Stuff ...

Billie's contribution to Jazz vocals and language is unquestioned. Her song "Strange Fruit" being a true protest song way before the 60's enlightenment of the genre. More than a jazz vocalist, a trailblazer for having the guts to say what you feel.

Count played the truth, and spoke the truth. You know deep down, that the originators didn't give a damn about what others thought, they BELIEVED in themselves , their direction, the vision. Ok, there was lots of poverty involved first, but to be SOMEONE in Jazz, just be YOU.

This quote by Billie virtually sums up her career, and her treatment by the Jazz establishment. We all have our problems, but don't confuse Billie's with her stunning contribution to Jazz vocals. A true original. Teach the world her story.

Cab Calloway ran one of the most successful big bands of the 30's, with many radio friendly hits including the famous "Minnie the Moocher". A hard worker, this quote reflects the knowledge of an artist who knows the business. Most of us are the ordinary ones.

Cannonballs first wish , from the book "Three Wishes" by Nica de Koenigswarter. Her immediate access to the greatest jazz musicians offered her the chance to ask them all what they would do if they had 3 wishes. Say no more .

It's on record that Bird wished to travel to europe and study, composers like Varese had spoken to him on such matters. Bird had performed for Stravinsky, throwing in quotes of the composers' motifs, much to Stravinsky's pleasure. Charles Mingus recalled a phone call where Bird improvised over "Rite of Spring" down the phone. Imagine that. A true artists never thinks they are done.

All musicians and artists know where The Duke is coming from here. If you are in Love, it tops everything....

The Empress of the Blues. When she recorded in the '20's, the process was different, bands had to record into a 'horn' instead of a microphone. Bessie had to stand 20 ft away from the horn as her voice drowned out the band.

Drum beast and leader of the "Jazz Messengers" a seminal group that featured every major player in Jazz at some point. Sometimes a bandleader can't listen to every opinion in the band, maybe it's worth remembering this quote. Or wearing it.