Posted by Art Hovey on May 09, 2001 at 08:17:37:
A while back a well-respected contributor to this BBS stated that Rich Matteson used an Eb helicon on his fantastic and seminal recording with Louis Armstrong and the Dukes of Dixieland. Having met Mr. Matteson and discussed that recording a couple of times, I expressed the opinion that he used a BBb instrument. I think the low G - D vamp in the first few bars of the Shiek make that pretty clear.
Just to set the record straight I asked Steve Shoop about it and got a prompt reply:
"Rich's helicon was a Boston Wonder BBb-- currently owned by Marc Dickman,
who teaches at one of the universities in Florida (I believe where Rich
taught before his death). I ran into Marc at the University of North Texas
several years ago when we were both doctoral students. He told me that Rich
had sold him the instrument shortly before his death."
In case any tuba player is unfamiliar with it, that recording is all the jazz education you'll ever need.
-Art