I’ve been a member of the IAJRC for many years — that’s the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors — and it continues to make many good things possible. In its quarterly journal, I have read fascinating stories, found out about CDs that would become life-enriching experiences, learned a great deal, and met wonderful people. (Two Bills, as a matter of fact: Coverdale and Gallagher.) So I think it’s a marvelous association, in the nicest senses of that overused word. And their focus isn’t purely on ancient shellac, but on keeping jazz thriving.
Every year, the IAJRC creates a “convention”: but this isn’t simply an excuse to hear other people talk at length. No, there one can meet friends with similar musical interests; hear rare music on disc; see film presentations; listen to live exciting jazz. And this year it’s being held in Kansas City, Missouri — where visitors can enjoy the Marr Sound Archives, the American Jazz Museum, half-price on the breakfast buffet, a free drink in the lobby lounge every day (such blandishments are not small things). Here’s the link to the detailed two-page flyer for the convention. Go ahead, take a look. I dare you. And when you come back, your ears full of swinging four-four, you can then (if the neighbors don’t mind), attempt to sound like Big Joe Turner, “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeelllll, I’ve been to Kansas City . . . ”
May your happiness increase.