JAZZ IN JERUSALEM

Evening Star, Issue 19783, 6 February 1928, Page 10

JAZZ IN JERUSALEM

NEAB THE ANCIENT JAFFA GATE. Once more (lie sound of music is heard in Jerusalem, The harps may still be hanging on Uio willow trees in Babylon; the trumpets of Jericho have rusted away; the cymbals and psalter are mute; but the sound of tho saxophone blends with the braying of donkeys, and King Jazz has a place within the boundaries of the ancient cityThe principal place where jazz is heard is near Jaffa Gate, There an open-air dance hall is located. A targe enclosure, thickly covered with grape, vines, through which the starred .Palestinian heaven maybe glimpsed, is prettily decorated with lanterns and sot back from (ho street to ensure privacy. There is a clearing in the centre for (he dancers, while tables about it in approved cabaret style, and a jazz band which, if not quite as efficient as tho bands of New York, is at least sufficiently effective, judging from the look of enjoyment in the faces of the patrons. And if, musically speaking, there is discord in Eion, there is also harmony. Jazz flourishes in Jerusalem, but grand opera also has its enihusiasts. In Tel Aviv local singers have handed together and formed a company, which gives opera in a most acceptable manner. It has been announced that Heifetz has ambitions to establish a conservatoire in Jerusalem near the University. .