Biography
Al "Jazzbeaux" Collins delivers an outstanding showcase of his zany beatnik wit while also revealing a deeper commitment as a steadfast jazz supporter beginning in the early 1950s. Esteemed recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder, responsible for capturing many of the finest jazz sessions, has spoken warmly of the Collins programs aired on New York City's WNEW during those years, drawn not solely by the distinctive quality of the announcer's voice. In fact, the broadcaster proved so attuned to the scene that he vigorously championed Van Gelder's early independent label ventures, among them tracks by the Joe Mooney organ trio. Collins has also supplied liner notes for numerous jazz albums, an activity commonly pursued by disc jockeys and reviewers alike despite ongoing debates about conflicts of interest. He belongs to a rare circle of radio personalities who participated artistically on record dates, most prominently by providing narration for trumpeter Charlie Shavers. Far more widely recognized is his invention of "hip fairy tales," which transplanted the familiar cast of indolent bears, ravenous wolves, assorted sprites, sinister witches, and slumbering princesses into a beatnik milieu. Collins joined forces with the irrepressible Slim Gaillard and comedian-television host Steve Allen to explore this premise across several projects whose playful spirit echoed the work of Bullwinkle creator Jay Ward and Pogo cartoonist Walt Kelly. Those same comedic minds would surely recommend maintaining a sense of humor as the best defense against mixing up this broadcaster with the several prominent and lesser-known blues artists who share his surname.
Albums
