With this inaugural issue of The Frisco Cricket, your Foundation announces the most important gift in its sixteen year history.

The Turk Murphy Collection is his personal treasure of recordings, arrangements, sheet music, photographs, instruments and memorabilia, amassed over half a century by a leading figure in the San Francisco traditional jazz revival. This spring, Turk's widow, Harriet, donated this invaluable resource to our growing archive. She deserves the sincere thanks of all those who, both now and in the future, value preservation and enjoyment of the original styles of this most American of art forms.

Turk Murphy burst onto the scene as the highly innovative and influential trombonist of the pioneering Lu Watters Yerba Buena Jazz Band. He went on to become, as well, a widely known composer, bandleader and vocalist. The Murphy style blended historical accuracy with originality, entertainment values, stylized arrangements and tight musical discipline. Turks perseverance and energy brought his band full-time professional continuity and success, spanning some four decades, to a degree which helped set it apart from the great majority of revival bands.

Years will be needed to fully plumb this remarkable trove of material. Soon, however, your Foundation hopes to make available some first fruits: CDs of previously unknown takes, sparkling with the verve of Turks best players at their most relaxed and creative absent the tensions of the recording studio. Stay tuned!

Due to staff limitations, a long time has elapsed since we last communicated with you, our SFTJF members, via the Up/Date and Jazz Notes letters. Replacing them, with the help of an anonymous grant, The Frisco Cricketwill now appear quarterly, edited by that fine pianist and bassist, Marty Eggers.

Please help the Foundation, traditional jazz and yourself by renewing your $25 yearly membership when due and encourage others to join!

Published in the The Frisco Cricket, which is available when you Join the Foundation (only $25!).