One of America’s most unique contributions to the world of music is jazz. This spontaneous and instinctive musical art form had roots in West Africa, was polished and perfected in our southern swamplands, and reached its current status and acceptance in the nightlife of New Orleans.

The idea for this painting was conceived and the pastel was completed in the late 1970s and I rediscovered it only recently. After more consideration of the instrument and objects in the picture, I have come to the conclusion that a more fitting title might be --------- DIXIELAND.