Anthony Braxton and Roche Pharmaceuticals ?

[deadcoldfish]

OK, I did a google and searched here, but found nothing.

On the back cover notes for In the Tradition, vol. 1 I believe, Braxton writes that this is dedicated to Roche Pharmaceuticals.

So, can anyone shed some light as to what that meant ?

Thanks,

[B. Clugston]

He explains that in Graham Lock's book "Forces and Motion." Don't have it in front of me, but I think it was something to do with tranquilizers.

[deadcoldfish]

He explains that in Graham Lock's book "Forces and Motion." Don't have it in front of me, but I think it was something to do with tranquilizers.

Thanks, I must have missed / forgotten that.

[jlhoots]

Roche makes / made Valium. I don't know if that's what the reference is about.

[Nate Dorward]

p. 137 of Forces in Motion:

L: Why was the first In the Tradition LP dedicated to Roche Pharmaceuticals?

B: The makers of Valium. I lived on Valium for about five years, I was taking 100 milligrams a day.

L: Why?

B: Because...I was living in severe poverty, and...oh, every time I picked up a music journal, somebody was attacking me as if I'd done something personal to them. My life was very difficult, there was a lot of stress, and the Roche Pharmaceutical Company--because of their technology I would be able not to jump out of my skin.

[AllenLowe]

actually, Betty Roche was a travelling saleswoman for that company, which she founded - that's how Duke met her, when he was suffering one of his frequent bouts of insomnia - see Chapter 6, Stanley Dance, the World of Duke Ellington -

[brownie]

actually, Betty Roche was a travelling saleswoman for that company, which she founded - that's how Duke met her, when he was suffering one of his frequent bouts of insomnia - see Chapter 6, Stanley Dance, the World of Duke Ellington -

Allen, this belongs to the What Are You Drinking Right Now thread

[king ubu]

actually, Betty Roche was a travelling saleswoman for that company, which she founded - that's how Duke met her, when he was suffering one of his frequent bouts of insomnia - see Chapter 6, Stanley Dance, the World of Duke Ellington -

This one killed me, Allen!

Roche is one of the big ones in pharmaceutical industry, based of course in my lovely country... rather sad, that Braxton episode - wouldn't want to have to live on valium for such a long time... not at all, in fact!

[AllenLowe]

hey, take it up with Stanley Dance -

well, I guess my original post was God's way of telling me I need a more exciting day job -

[brownie]

hey, take it up with Stanley Dance -

Just give me Duke's email adress, I'll find out from him directly!

[Hot Ptah]

Allen, thanks for a literal laugh out loud for me, during my not-so-exciting day job!

[AllenLowe]

actually, given the way things are going, I may join Braxton in Valium-land -

[Hot Ptah]

From people I know who have taken prescription Valium for short times for legitimate medical reasons, it seems almost unfathomable to me that anyone could take 100 mg a day over an extended period and still function at any sort of minimally productive level.

[7/4]

From people I know who have taken prescription Valium for short times for legitimate medical reasons, it seems almost unfathomable to me that anyone could take 100 mg a day over an extended period and still function at any sort of minimally productive level.

Apparently his nerves were really shot.

[JSngry]

Never underestimate the power of a professional survivor.

Edited April 8, 2009 by JSngry

[Larry Kart]

p. 137 of Forces in Motion:

L: Why was the first In the Tradition LP dedicated to Roche Pharmaceuticals?

B: The makers of Valium. I lived on Valium for about five years, I was taking 100 milligrams a day.

L: Why?

B: Because...I was living in severe poverty, and...oh, every time I picked up a music journal, somebody was attacking me as if I'd done something personal to them. My life was very difficult, there was a lot of stress, and the Roche Pharmaceutical Company--because of their technology I would be able not to jump out of my skin.

But is the use of 100 mg. of Valium per day (unless one somehow gets it for free or for next to that) compatible with "living in severe poverty"? Don't know myself, just wondering what Valium cost back then.