Have you noticed that there's a heck of a racket on the TV these days? Global celebrations of sport are noisy affairs. Massive crowds can be heard cheering for athletes who are pushing themselves to their physical and emotional limits with guttural grunts and groans. And it's all happening rather far away in jolly old London, England. Pity.
It got me thinking that some rather impressive and equally raucous sporting pursuits in the world of jazz could be accessed from the comfort of the nearest internet access point. The events would have to be new, which also means a tad unconventional. But hey, if table tennis can be played on an international stage, I figure there’s a little latitude here.
I’m proposing four new jazz sports, with four commensurate winners to take their places on the inaugural winners’ dais. We start on a very high note.
1. Highest trumpet playing on a Beatles anthem: Maynard Ferguson
It seems perfectly fitting to sample “Hey Jude,” the song that Paul McCartney performed at the opening ceremonies. Here in all his bombastic jazz glory is Canada’s late, great, stratospheric trumpet player, Maynard Ferguson.
2. Longest trip from the bandstand to the bar: Count Basie Orchestra
When the members of a jazz orchestra step down off the bandstand after playing a long set for their audience, one of the first things many of them look for is something cold to sip on. In this scene from the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy Blazing Saddles, the Count Basie Orchestra is heard performing "April in Paris" out in the middle of nowhere. It can be a bit of a challenge to keep the club soda chilled under these circumstances.
3. Most prolific issuer of live jazz recordings: Cory Weeds and Cellar Live
With his retro-looking record jacket design and ever-growing roster of Canadian and international artists, you might think Cellar Live label owner Cory Weeds is lost in the '60s, the heyday of live jazz recordings.
With dozens of live recordings in the catalogue and new releases appearing all the time, this little label from Vancouver is on fire. Here's a little sample of the sounds captured off the floor of Weeds's Cellar Jazz Nightclub, where the recordings happen.
4. Longest circular breathing from the stage of a Canadian summer festival: Trombone Shorty
Trombone Shorty works up to it. But when he gets there, it’s a stunning feat of breath control played out with world champion panache in front of a sizable crowd at Salmon Arm’s ever popular Roots and Blues Festival. By the way, the circular breathing episode lasts for one minute, 34 seconds.
Clearly, there are other great instances of jazz played out as sport that need to be shared further. If you have a favourite that you think deserves a place on the podium, let us know in the comments section.
Related:
You oughta know: Maynard Ferguson, a template for cool
Take 5: Canada's top five jazz clubs, from Victoria to Montreal