Wittwer (Johnny) Papers, 1959

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Summary

Title:
Johnny Wittwer papers,
Dates:
1959
Creators:
Wittwer, Johnny
Abstract:
Contains correspondence, performance guides and a photo documenting a Poetry and Jazz session performed by Kenneth Patchen and 'New Bed of Roses Chamber Jazz Group' by jazz musician Johnny Wittwer.
Extent:
1 half document box
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

Johnny Wittwer Papers. MS 177. Special Collections and Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Background

Scope and content:

Contains correspondence, performance guides and a photo documenting a Poetry and Jazz session performed by Kenneth Patchen and 'New Bed of Roses Chamber Jazz Group' by jazz musician Johnny Wittwer.

Biographical / historical:

Jazz pianist Johnny (John) Wittwer contributed to the music scene in the West Coast during 1940's-1960's. Not only an interpreter of blues and ragtime tunes, he was an accomplished jazz performer sharing stage along side with such legends as jazz trombonist Kid Ory and poet Kenneth Patchen. He assembled and recorded during 1940's under Johnny Wittwer Trio, consisting of Joe Darensbourg, clarinet; Keith Purvis, drums, and Johnny Wittwer, piano.

Some Recordings:
  • Ace in the hole traditional. Two kinds of people : traditional.Hollywood, CA.: Jazz Man, recorded December 1945 (solo piano)
  • Aunt Hagar's blues. Hollywood, CA: Jazz Man. 1946, 1945 (Ragtime music)
  • Bill Bailey. Hollywood, CA: Jazz Man, 1949 (Played with Cannon, James Cannon, Hughie Cannon, Joseph Lamb.)
  • Joe's blues. Seattle, WA: Exner, 1950-1959 (Johnny Wittwer Trio)
  • Piano rags, stomps and blues. New York: Stinson Records, 1955, 1945
  • World famous Kid Ory-Johnny Wittwer Sessions. Hollywood, CA: Jazz Man, 1954, 1944 (Played with Kid Ory's Creole Band; Kid Ory trombone & leader; the Johnny Wittwer Trio: Johnny Wittwer, piano; Joe Darensbourg, clarinet ; Keith Purvis, drums.) Recorded Sept. 26, 1944 & Feb. 12, 1945

Acquisition information:
Gift of Larry Smith, February 1998.
Physical location:
Stored in Special Collections & Archives: Advance notice is required for access to the papers.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by UCSC OAC Unit.
Date Prepared:
© 2003
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from MS Word. Date of source: June 2003. Machine-readable finding aid created by UCSC OAC Unit.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to publish or to reproduce the material, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Johnny Wittwer Papers. MS 177. Special Collections and Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Location of this collection:
Special Collections and Archives, University Library
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064, US
Contact:
(831) 459-2547
speccoll@library.ucsc.edu
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