Zwolle, Charleston eye jazz musicians exchange

Some of you know that I was involved in a book project released last year by the Evening Post Publishing Company. I am contributing editor for "Whisky & Jazz" by Hans Offringa, a Dutch whisky expert and hard-core jazz fan who also writes a column for the Charleston Mercury with his American wife, Becky, as the Whisky Couple.

The book is a general-interest analysis that compares 10 of Hans' favorite single malt scotches with 10 of his favorite jazz musicians. While it reads easily and is handsomely illustrated with photographs by Gijs Dragt, the book is historically authentic and includes the history of jazz in Charleston as its prime example of American jazz history -- a first as far as I know.

All of us involved with the book are very proud of it. Since the project began, Hans and I have been talking about players from his hometown of Zwolle and musicians from Charleston visiting each other.

Hans and Becky were here last month. It was great to see them again. We decided to mount another book project, "Bourbon and Blues," marrying and comparing the two like we did with "Whisky & Jazz."

The glow of that idea, however, did not dim our talking more about the exchange.

In fact, recent correspondences brightened the prospect of it becoming a reality.

Hans said in an e-mail Monday:

"Zwolle and Charleston both have a very lively jazz and blues scene. Both cities also have various cultural and musical festivals. I strongly believe we can benefit from setting up exchanges of musicians between both cities.

"Gertjan (van der Weerd) and I will sit down to discuss some things shortly. In the meantime, we might start e-mail discussions with one another. Gertjan already told me that Zwolle Conservatory's jazz department is seriously looking for an American partner.

"It would be wonderful to connect our cities through music, too, as we already have done on a culinary level with the Alliance of Taste."

Hans is talking about Zwolle putting in a culinary festival modeled after the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Zwolle Culinaire CEO Ton Kolman will visit the festival again this year. Hans says he is very interested in expanding into music.

I have talked to musicians here, and Hans has talked to the Dutch players, and everybody loves the idea.

So, we're going to really try to pull this off.

I'll keep you informed as things progress.

To purchase "Whisky & Jazz" go to www.eveningpostbooks.com.

Dancin' with Fud

A couple of months ago I wrote about a new CD compilation of music by Charleston jazz performer/arranger/composer Fud Livingston.

Well, Fud continues to be rediscovered, this time with a local event built around his music. On Tuesday, "An Evening with Fud Livingston," a free event open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. in Buyer Auditorium in Mark Clark Hall on the campus of The Citadel.

Fud wrote and arranged popular tunes, the most famous of which is "I'm Through With Love," sung by Marilyn Monroe in the film "Some Like It Hot." Fud attended The Citadel 1921-23.

"This concert is the first of what we hope will be many cultural events co-sponsored by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the department of cadet activities at The Citadel," said Dean Bo Moore. "It promises to be entertaining and will illuminate an important chapter in the history of American jazz and the role that Charleston and The Citadel played in it."

The band for the event is the Black Tie Swing Band, featuring Citadel Chorale Director Nancy Lefter on vocals and band leader John Bonds, professor of political science. Pianist John Tecklenburg is Fud's grandnephew.

John told me there are plans to put down a dance floor for attendees, so it should be a great time. For information, call 953-5111.

Upward Bound benefit

The College of Charleston Upward Bound program will present the 2nd Annual Jazz Benefit Concert at 7 p.m. March 18 at the Sottile

Theatre. General admission is $25.

All proceeds will be used by Upward Bound to sustain the residential summer program and provide scholarship assistants to graduates.

Vocalist Lisa Montgomery is the featured artist with a band that includes Chuck Dalton on trumpet; Lonnie Hamilton, III, saxophone; George Kenny, saxophone; Brian Reed, bass; John Tecklenberg, keyboard; and Gerald Williams, drums.

For tickets and information call 953-5249.

Jack McCray, author of "Charleston Jazz," can be reached at jackjmccray@aol.com.