I come from the past century — where smoking was accepted in restaurants and jazz clubs. And I remember coming home from the latter with my clothing redolent of tobacco . . . so I don’t miss it.
But I would gladly take my clothes to the laundry room immediately for a chance to be in either of these places: the first, a vanished New York City; the second, a more recent San Francisco.
I have to look the next time I am in the area — to see which bank or pharmacy has replaced Jack Dempsey’s.
The most pleasing part of that second matchbook is that I know people who have played at McGoon’s.
And here’s the theme song of such smoky pleasures . . . more or less:
This is the record label — I think Buster’s only recorded vocal:
“Let’s all get mellow,” as the song says.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 