Amazing Saints

It is not uncommon for me to read Don Heckman’s review of a jazz event that I also attended and wonder how we could have such differing perceptions, but I accept that the essence of jazz appreciation is a very subjective matter.

However, after reading his review of Marian McPartland’s appearance at the International Assn. of Jazz Educators convention in New Orleans, I must offer one correction (“Conference Swings Through Range of Styles, Subjects,” Jan. 17). The tune that held the crowd in “utter, spellbound silence” was McPartland’s very slow and poignant rendering of “When the Saints Go Marching In,’ not “Amazing Grace.”

Not only was her audience respectfully silent, but there were many moist eyes, as her touching performance evoked memories of the many departed jazz masters who were remembered that week.

JANNA L. GADDEN

Los Angeles