[Dixielandjazz] Re: Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 7, Issue 46

[Stephen Barbone]

> Butch Thompson wrote:
>
> Here's what I'm wondering:  If Louis Armstrong is so easy to copy, why have
> I never heard anyone do it successfully?

None of the great trumpet players ever tried to copy Louis. No real jazz musician ever
seeks to copy another. The real jazz musicians seek their own voice.

Who have you heard copy Roy Eldridge, Bobby Hackett, Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro,
Clifford Brown or Arturo Sandoval successfully?

The only ones who try to become copy cats are those who have limited original thought
processes, are not good enough to succeed with their own voices, or are seeking a
money making niche.

and then he wrote:

> > Steve Said It should also be pointed out that Hackett
> > was no Louis
> > Armstrong.
>
> True enough, Steve, and Hackett would be the very first one to say so, of
> course.  He worshipped Louis, but never tried to copy him.  Instead, he
> created his own unique sound, which is why we remember him so fondly.

Yes, of course, see my comment above. All of the really great jazz musicians seek
their own voice. Which is why they are all different.

Cheers,
Steve