Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 10, 1977)
HANDY If the economics of the nation keep declining. You look at the economics during the *90« and '40s when the big bands were strong. It's way less costly to book a band, rather than a star vocalist along with the hand. The war had an effect on big bands, too. The draft broke up many bands. JONES Where do you see Jaas going in the future? Jazz seem s to be picking up new believers every day. What ate your views on that? HANDY-Seems to be much more popular than it has ever been before. When you look at Byrd and Dizzy, they changed the attitude of many people. People just didn't understand our form of music. During that same era we lost our Black audiences. I played mostly for white audiences when 1 was coming up. Now, what I had imagined the concert would be like and what it turned out to be didn't quite connect in the middle. What 1 anticipated was a ballad oriented show with a little flavoring of Rock. However, it turned out to be quite the opposite. More Rock than ballad. But, never-the less, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Natalie, the back up singers, as well as the band had very good timing throughout the concert. I would have preferred that she sang her selections in their entirety as opposed to singing a medley of her hit songs. I had read recently that Natalie was actively involved in church activities. I can clearly understand why too! Her performance last Thursday night at the Civic Auditorium had heavy religious overtones and the entire audience was hanging in there with her. Many people were under the impression that Natalie was having an identity problem because of her sky rocketing in a mere three years of performing. Not at all. Natalie Cole knows exactly what she's doing and where's she's going. Already Natalie has been a sw eet inspiration to up-and-coming entertainers around the country. She sounds like Natalie Cole. She looks like Natalie Cole and she certainly performs like Natalie Cole! JOHN HANDY - HARD WORK PAID OFF JONES-John. who was your inspiration? It's one of those traditional questions that just has to be asked HANDY-A lot of people were my inspiration Al. down through the years. Actually, there are a number of people that turn me on. Singers in church and some of the family get togethers were also inspirational to me. JONES I am very happy for the success you've been having in recent years. I've followed you for years. Although your style of playing has changed drastically, you still retain the quality that you have been noted for through the years. “Hard Work" has probably been your most successful album to date. Was the musical transition difficult for you? HANDY Not really, Al. You're right, "Hard Work" is my best commercial success and I am enjoying it too. The change was timely I thought, because musicians change before the audience. I wasn't surprised but the public was - a little. NOTICE The Urban League Senior Adult Serv ice Center is having its Valentine Tea rt the Center, 3904 N.E. Union, Sunday. February 13, 1977,1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This tea will recognize the unselfish work of Stanton Duke, then supervisor of transportation. Eddie Butler and L.C. Mickels, full time drivers. These men gave unstintingly of their time to provide transportation to the elderly citizens of this Area. A door prize of a Pendleton Woolen blanket will be given to the person holding the lucky number. Donation: 50 cents. 21 35 want to men lor Call Andrea. 232-4635 O u ts ta n d in g fo r 1 9 7 6 NOTE: George Page from KBOO Radio also interviewed John Handy. Listen for his interview this Saturday afternoon. MS. KEEP ON DOING IT ••• Last Wednesday night I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to three of the most talented young ladies in town. Ms. is comprised of: MaDonna Johnson. Pam Thomas and Loretta Wilson, who literally set Jewelia’s on fire during their debut performance to a packed audience. MaDonna Johnson and Pam Thomas have been singing together for a number of years, with Loretta Wilson being the latest addition to the group. It is quite obvious to the audience that these young ladies have a definite place in the music business as time progresses. They offer excellent showmanship, along with well developed voices, good phrasing and the kind of dedication that is essential in most fields of endeavor. I have always thought it important for performers to establish exactly what kinds of music they enjoy and feel comfortable singing. Ms. has done this for the mast part. They did selections like: “If I Ever Loose This Heaven.” “Til Be Good To You," “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love," "Mr. Melody." “Always There" and many more. They have originality, poise and a hell-of-a lot of talent. All they have to do is keep on doing it. Everything else will follow. Bob Nelson Outstanding sales associate lor the Hollywood Branch Office Cal Toran Outstanding new sales associate lor the Hollywood Branch Office To get o utstand ing service in s e llin g your hom e, or in b u y in g a d iffe r e n t one, ca ll Cal or Bob. They do they |ob! JONES I take it you come from a musically inclined family? HANDY-Well. my mother sang in church and my brother played various instruments. We also had sinners in the family that were very talented, too. By sinners. I mean the ones that didn’t go to church regularly according to the ones that did. JONES-1 Smile I I understand. They're in everybody's family. W’hat made you decide to play the saxophone as opposed to other instruments? HANDY-Basically because it was around the house. I was fascinated with the guitar. But it was too big for me and I was always cutting my Anger on the strongs. JONES -So you decided there must be an easier way? HANDY Right! I wanted to be a carpenter and never got a carpentry set. I also wanted to be a painter and quit painting entirely when 1 was 14 year old. I started playing the clarient and later went on to the saxophone. JONES I am still going to pin you down on this. John. What musician did you listen to most in your younger days? HANDY Louis Jordan has always been one of my favorite artists. Along with Big Maccio and his Royal Life Blues Band; Ella Fitzgerald doing "A T isket-A Tasket." There were also local bands around Dallas where I grew up. that I enjoyed. 1 loved Nat Cole and Buddy Johnson. JONES Do you think the big band era of the '30s and '40s will regain the prominence it once had? AKA celebrates anniversary The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority plans include two Founders Day celebrations, the hosting of a second reading workshop for upper grade parents from the Wood lawn area in conjunction with the Port land Teacher Corps and organizing activ ities for local highschool girls. On Saturday, February 12th local Alpha Kappa Alpha women will celebrate the beginning of the Sorority with a luncheon at the Royal Esquire Club. Again on March 5. 1977 Portland A.K.A women will travel to Seattle and to a joint Founder's Day function with Alpha Kappa Alpha women of Seattle and Tacoma. Parents interested in practicing ways to help improve their 6. 7, and 8th grade student's reading are invited to attend u reading workshop planned for February 26. 1977 from 10-12:00 at Adams High School. This will be the second of an anticipated series of three workshops designed to help parents help their children in reading. Thirteen local girls have been invited to participate in a variety of academic, cultural and social activities as a part of the “All Kinds of Action" organization for freshmen girls sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Mary Henderson is basileus of Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter here in Portland. Still serving the community A S T H E H O M E F O L K S FOR f. 6. Stassens, Inc. Realtors Hollywood Office 288-8871 N o tice The Aro- American Heritage Bicenlen nial Quilt, recently back from Washing ton D.C. where it was displayed by the State Department, can be seen at the Federal Building. 1200 SW 3rd during the month of February. The quilt is displayed in the first floor lobby, open Monday through Friday. The first m otion picture copyrighted in the U.S. was o f a man sneezing The year was 1894. Mealtimes MADE EASY! B etter c o o k in g fo r all the w o rld Toshiba Presents... More Microwave Oven For Your Money ! Modal ER-74ÓBT You Automatically Choose the Ideal Cooking Time Park atte, N .E. 8th aad Going CITY SUPPORTS ALBINA MEMORIAL PARK Portland City council voted last week to drop their assessm ent ben on the countv-owned property located on the corner of NE 8th and Going, to be used lor a Memorial Park. Concerned citizens have been working with the Highland Community ( enter to petition the city and county lor the property. The Memorial Park will honor citizens who gave their bves to improve the Albina community. V arious citizens-eommittees are spearheading the drive to raise funds, build the park, select names of citizens to be honored and maintain care of the park in the future. It is planned that the park will be planted with trees, shrubs and flowers with memorial stones listing names and important contributions of outstanding citizens of the past. The idea lor the Albina Memorial Park grew out of the community's concern lor pride in its own history and its concern that youth be able to learn the great sacrifices and good deeds of past citizens. Citizens may contribute to the pork by donating their time, services or funds. Checks for the Albina Memorial Park can be made out to the Highland Community ten ter at 4815 NE 7th. 287 9623 Highland is a ( lilted Way agency, also supported by the Pacific Conference of the I nited Church ol t hnst ALBINA MEMORIAL SOCIETY Sponsor: Highland Community Center Rev. Samuel Johnson, Director It's easy to cook any food just right with this new microwave oven . . . just set the 20-minute slide timer with a cooking guide and push a button. Automatic defrosting, too. Even preheated foods come out ''first day" delicious. This counter- top oven has Toshiba's extra-large oven capacity, with a full 1.5 cubic feet of useful space. Plugs in anywhere. Great lo w Price! Interim President: Mr. Michael Rice Interim Vice-President: Mrs. Pauline Doran »288 Cease ia - WATCH A DEMOMSTRATIOH~Ea>y Terms Fund-raising and Resource (om m ittee Mr. Bruce Broussard Mr Fxiward Rav Mrs. Edna Robertson Mr. James Loving perpetual Care Committee Mr. Michael Rice Mrs. Lula Mae Cook Historical Screening Committee Mr. Al Jamison Mr. Charles Leach Rev. Thomas Stray ban Rev. John Jackson The Albina Memorial Society Mini-Memorial Park The Albina Ministerial Association The King Improvement Association The Northeast Coalitisn at Neighborhoods has been endorsed by... SHO P 9 T O 9 M O N THRU FRI SAT TIL 6 (Closed Sun.) 30th and S. E. DIVISION 234-9351
