Autumn 2003

Mr. Paul Blair, a writer, has pursued teaching profession for long years in Africa and Indonesia, and now, in addition to his primary work, sometimes he does guide tourists through Harlem, Brooklyn and The Village.

Why I knew him..., At the beginning of this year, he gave me an Email. And visiting New York recently, I met him. He was very, very warm gentleman.
Harlem, I have visited several times before, but this time I asked him to guide there. Starting 146th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue, he has explained to me many matters about apartments where great jazz musicians lived as well as big and small churches. His talk is so easy to hear because of clear English. (Oh, is it natural? His name is Mr. Blair, same as famous Prime Minister's.)

I asked him, "Why do you know such details about old musicians and their residence?" He said, "I studied."

While walking around silent and beautiful Sugar Hill, he gave me five CDs below compiled by himself.
Many useful informations are attached to CDs.

Coming home back, I'm enjoiying these CDs, those will be my treasures for ever in my life.

◆ A Harlem Jazz Walk
◆ Harlem Jazz Stroll
◆ A Midtown Jazz Stroll
◆ A Greenwich Village Jazz Walk
◆ An East Village Jazz Stroll

After walking of apporx. 2 hours, we enjoyed soft drink at a some coffee shop of 120th Street, and further, moved to 8th Street by subway and said bye.

Meeting Paul, that is my precious experience. In the past years, I went to New York many times, those were only bourbon whisky and jazz music, i.e. nightlife only.
Such a communication in daytime was my first, thank you Paul. I'm sure I'll contact him again next time.

Daytime Harlem Walking with Mr. Paul Blair is strongly recommended. If you walk alone, maybe their history of over 100 years is unknown.

He accepts a modest amount of guide fee but I feel his guide is volunteer.

His website is --> P.B.