Looking Back .. But Still Going Forward
	by TONY SPARGO, DRUMMER OF O.D.J.B.
It is always a pleasure to hear from the old gang back home. Above all, from the real jazz club from the town				hit several of the finest spots in England.
				I fell in love with the place. When those people over there like you, they treat you like a king. And that's just what they did with all of us. Frankly, I was one who wanted to stay there, even though the rest of the boys were all for getting back home! But Europe is a mighty big place to be left alone in, so I set sail for America when the rest of the gang returned.
that gave jazz to the world.
I've never been much with the pen or typewriter. I'd rather let my drums and kazoo talk for me. But since "The Second Line" asked me to reminisce a little for their "All-Original Dixieland Jazz Band" issue, I couldn't resist.
Strange too, the coincidence. Because just last week the great orchestra leader from London, Ted Heath, was at our place. And we talked at length about all the great jazzmen who have come from New Orleans. It made me brush away a few cobwebs of forgetfulness and brought back some memories which I will pass on to you.
				Before we left England, we recorded many sides for Columbia (English). These were all 12 inch records, and had some sides we had never cut in America. They tell me they are quite some collectors items now. Eddie Edwards did not make the trip with us, so Emile Christian took his place. Also, just before we were due to leave, our great little pianist Henry Ragas passed away and was replaced by J. Russell Robinson. Both men were excellent, and fitted in very nicely with the old outfit. However, I believe that the sound of the band is a little different from our original recordings. But it was still mighty good.
I will never forget that long trip over to England! It took eleven days, the ocean was rough practically all the way. And I'm not such a good sailor! It was also the first ocean trip we had ever taken, and that pond looked awfully big to us. Maybe we had a little stage fright too - which made the voyage seem so very long. The landing at Liverpool was mighty welcome, I assure you!
				After we returned to America, our old place at Reisenweber's was not the same. The rigor mortis of prohibition had set in and changed things up a great deal. Most of the places like that became "speakeasies", and the night life of New York changed quite a bit. Then, places like "The Roseland" started, and night clubs became "after-hour" clubs.
But seeing London was well worth any discomfort or anxiety which we may have suffered. I loved that place! And it took us to its heart. I believe that we were the first American band to play the best "spots" in England.
The first place we played was the London Hippodrome. A show called "Joy Bells" was going on at the time. We joined this outfit, but I had the misfortune to contract the flu, after just playing two performances! The rest of the band had to lay off until I got well. After finishing our contract at the London Hippodrome, we
				I certainly would like to see the good old days of Reisenwebers and Rectors come back to life again! But I am afraid that things have changed, forever. What people like now for drinks, for entertainment, and in mus
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THE SECOND LINE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1955   5