To the Editor:
When you think about the history of the Jazz Idiom, few musicians have exemplified this way of expressing a quintessential “natural swing” the way that Muriel Havenstein did.
She had indigenous capacity to bring the audience and her fellow players to a place where magic was happening and where feelings of joy rolled out before her in a natural format that could not be denied.
Her keyboard style, with that strong left hand bass-line carried the music forward with a drive that made you realize you were witnessing something unique and special. This energy exemplified her very life force.
As we all found this “phenom” so endearing, charming and enjoyable, we appreciate Muriel’s life-long dedication to the art and will long continue to gain solace from her music as it lives on.
Thank you Muriel and good luck in convincing Gabriel to stay away from that dicey key of B-flat.
Fred Finnemore, Jefferson
