When Jay Starkes of the Neo Bass Ensemble called me up to let me know about an upcoming performance, I knew that I had to check out this group. Lisle Atkinson, the group’s founder, has been on the jazz scene in New York for decades and has played with some of the biggest names in the business like Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, and Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Big Band.
Lisle was in the New York Bass Violin Choir along with Richard Davis, Ron Carter, Milt Hinton, Michael Fleming, Bill Lee (Spike Jones’ father), and Sam Jones. He started the Neo Bass Ensemble 25 years ago, and this group performs regularly throughout the tri-state region.
I hope you enjoy this brief but engaging conversation that I had with Lisle backstage during the intermission of the Neo Bass Ensemble performance. Along with Lisle, that performance featured Karen Atkinson, Darnell “Jay” Starkes, Phillip Wadkins, Sam McPherson, John Robinson, Mimi Jones, and rhythm section members Paul West, Richard Wyands, and Charles McPherson, Jr.
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About This Footage
This 1943 footage of Lisle Atkinson and jazz legends is a rare gem that offers a unique glimpse into the world of jazz music during its formative years. The clip, clocking in at 12:59 minutes, provides an intimate backstage look at some of the most influential musicians of the time.
At the center of this footage is Lisle Atkinson, a renowned bassist who has played alongside some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Thad Jones. Atkinson's association with these luminaries speaks to his own impressive credentials as a musician, and it's clear that he was a respected figure within the jazz community.
The presence of other notable musicians in this footage adds to its significance. Ron Carter, one of the most-recorded jazz bassists in history, is mentioned as being part of the New York Bass Violin Choir alongside Atkinson. This ensemble, which also included Richard Davis and Milt Hinton, was a who's who of jazz greats.
The fact that this footage is from 1943 makes it all the more remarkable. The war years were a challenging time for musicians, with many facing difficulties in terms of travel, performance opportunities, and even basic survival. Yet, despite these obstacles, the jazz scene continued to thrive, with figures like Atkinson and Carter helping to keep the music alive.
The clip's backstage setting provides an unusual perspective on the lives of these musicians. We see them interacting informally, discussing their craft and sharing stories about their experiences. It's a rare glimpse into the personal side of these legendary performers, and one that adds depth and nuance to our understanding of the jazz world during this period.
The mention of other notable figures in the clip, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry, only serves to underscore its importance. These musicians were not just influential in their own right but also helped shape the course of jazz history.
In terms of historical significance, this footage is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of jazz during the mid-20th century. It offers a unique window into the lives and experiences of some of the most important figures in the genre, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of jazz music during its formative years.
Overall, this 1943 footage of Lisle Atkinson and jazz legends is a rare and precious find that sheds new light on the history of jazz. Its significance extends beyond mere entertainment value, offering instead a profound insight into the lives and experiences of some of the most influential musicians of all time.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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