New York Newsletter

From Rick Barton

Transcript of the text of the pictured excerpt from one of Ritchie Barton's articles for Jazz News magazine, which was published in 1961.

"You must 'Take the 'A' Train if you want to find the quickest way to get to Harlem, for there, at the Apollo, are Carmen McRae, Joe Williams, Ray Bryant's Trio, the Harry Edison Quintet, and the Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis/Johnny Griffin Quintet... Two great jazz singers and three of the best swinging groups in town make up a jazz package de luxe. The 'Divine' Sarah Vaughan has left Basin Street East. Her spot was filled by Louis Armstrong and his Band, who keep things moving - with La Vern Baker who brings back memories of the late Velma Middleton...

Edmond Hall has brought his clarinet and impeccable good taste to Condon's amidst the appreciation of all. At Nicks the Bourbon Street band is departing to make way for clarinettist Kenny Davern and his Washington Squares. Amongst these are Cutty Cutshall (trombone), Johnny Windhurst (trumpet) and Buzzy Drootin...

Dakota Staton sings her songs in her own sweet way at the Sapphire Room... Jonah Jones and his Quartet played muted jazz to the steak munchers at the Embers, his home from home... Due in town soon are Sarah Vaughan, and the Junior Mance and Les McCann Trios, two fully paid members of the 'soul' brethren - also Josh White and John Lee Hooker (with the real blues) and George Shearing and his Quintet...

Doris Parker, one of Charlie Parker's widows, is suing jazz promoter and record chief Norman Granz. She is demanding an account of all Bird's royalties from the Grantz labels, Clef, Norgran and Verve... Buddy Rich, who suffered two heart attacks, is resting in Miami after a slight relapse."