Norman Granz imprassario

Just finished reading Granz biography by Hershorn which is a definitive look at 30-70s Jazz under the tutelage of the master promoter. Hershorn goes all the way researching every player, every concert, every conflict and triumph. Granz was most concerned with his breaking the color barrier back at the beginning just getting unemployed jazzers into clubs and auditoriums. He paid them well and got them into the best hotels which meant he had the pick of the most amazing talent of the period.  He managed them without contracts and recordings were what they wanted to do and sound like, complete freedom.  That doesn't happen today.

When I finished I ordered numerous CDs of Oscar Peterson and this find of "the complete Norman Granz Jam Sessions". Wow, not to be believed, 4 sessions per CD and 5 CDS worth, recorded over a couple years in early 40s if I'm not mistaken.

I Had started collecting Ella 10 years ago, then Ellington, Sarah, then discovered Pablo Recordings Granz did at the end of the careers of his collection of friends who still had so much to give.  Amazing recordings. I've discovered my new passion in music.

Glenn