Fraser MacPherson: Diary of a Musician (Video)

When Fraser MacPherson passed away a little over thirteen years ago, he left behind a fantastic archive of material from his years as one of Canada's premier jazz players – both as bandleader and sideman. Photos, documents, and a large number of audio and a few video recordings from Vancouver's golden age of jazz, many of them produced by the CBC. Fraser's son, Guy MacPherson (seen in the film at age four), provided this CBC TV documentary on the professional and personal life of "Fras", which dates from 1966. The club in this film is the famed Cave Supper Club on Hornby Street. The Cave for many years featured the city's top musicians and was a big part of Vancouver nightlife from 1937 to 1981. Note how adorable Guy was, even then, and what excellent pitch he has! Cast (in order of appearance): Stan "Cuddles" Johnson Ian McDougall Fraser MacPherson Don Clark Stew Barnett Wally Snider Frank Mansell Guy MacPherson Angela MacPherson Doug Parker Jimmy Wightman Jack Carter Music: "Summertime" Performed by Fraser MacPherson (alto sax) with the Doug Parker Orchestra. "Too Late Now" performed by Fraser MacPherson (tenor sax) with the Bobby Reid Strings. "Theme", written and performed by the Fraser MacPherson Quintet (MacPherson, tenor; Ian McDougall, trombone; Doug Parker, piano; Stan Johnson, bass; Jimmy Wightman, drums). "Playboy Theme" performed by the Fraser MacPherson Quintet (MacPherson, flute; McDougall, trombone; Parker, piano; Johnson, bass; Wightman, drums). "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" performed by Guy MacPherson. "The Shadow of Your Smile" performed by the Fraser MacPherson Quintet (MacPherson, flute; McDougall, trombone; Parker, piano; Johnson, bass; Wightman, drums). "I've Got an Opening Song/This Could Be The Start of Something Big" performed by Jack Carter rehearsing with the Fraser MacPherson Orchestra. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" performed by Jack Carter. "Who Can I Turn To?" performed by Jack Carter. "Always a Joker" performed by Jack Carter with the Fraser MacPherson Orchestra. See also: CBC radio interview with MacPherson from 1976, transcribed by Guy.