It appears John may be playing the Sax in this performance. This is December 1961 & John would have been 49, looking very much like other family members in many ways. In 1939-40, a cousin visited John in New York City, and he was said to be working with Raymond Scott at the time. It has been made very clear to me that John was a music arranger, not a performing musician, even though he was very skilled on the Sax, clarinet, and piano. When I first spoke with the Catholic nun who had watched over him in the last years of his life, she corrected me when I called him a musician; she stated, "No, he was an Arranger". So even as his memories faded in his final years, he still knew who he was. His 1938 marriage license clearly lists his occupation as "Arranger of Music." John was also an early member of the New York Division of ASMA (American Society of Music Arrangers). Now known as ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers & Composers. ASMAC website
Given the clear facts, he was an Arranger first... I wonder if there was a connection or friendship with Raymond Scott that led to any public performances, which might intrigue the audience and encourage their input.
If this isn't John, I came across a Sax player years ago with a Myspace- or Facebook-type site that I shared a few emails with; it may be him, as he told me he played with one of the last Raymond Scott Quintets for one performance. Although he was a "much" younger guy than John. I don't believe Scott did public performances with a band after 1963. I wish I could find him again. At the time, he had a younger female vocalist who sometimes performed with him in New York City venues. Does anyone have any clues??
I'm curious if anyone can help identify the other musicians in this video besides Raymond Scott & Dorothy Collins, as I find their faces intriguing and worth exploring together.
If this was a New York production, what control did the Local #802 Union have regarding performing musicians? John was not a registered #802 member, at least not under his legal name.
If this was a New York production, what control did the Local #802 Union have regarding performing musicians? John was not a registered #802 member, at least not under his legal name.
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Hi, To all:
ReplyDeleteMy name is John Alexander and I am Virginia (Bartee) Alexander's oldest son. I came across this site and was pleasantly surprized to see photos of the Bartee family, including my mother when she was a young girl. Virginia passed away in 2009 at the age of 84.
As a young child living in Burbank, CA., I recall John visiting our home. He had a box of sheet music and a guitar. I was very young, perhaps 4 years old, but I was very interested in John and the music stuff that he had. At that time, I do not think the family realized his accomplishments.
I began playing guitar at the age of 8 and then bass Upright and electric at the age of 12. I continue to perform professsionaly on a very frequent basis. Music has always been my true love (not always a benefit to my relationships and family).
Please feel welcome to contact me with additional information or questions that you may have.
John Alexander
alexanderjh1@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by John.
ReplyDeleteGot a couple of pictures of you on electric bass & guitar. Look forward to the day when you can play that Upright along with other musicians... as the layers of sound, and the Music of John Bartee are once again performed & recorded.
Have some good feelings about the newly discovered Music, especially John Bartee's composition, "NB California". aka /Newport Beach. Ca.