[Dixielandjazz] Re: Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 7, Issue 86

[TCASHWIGG at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/28/03 7:19:51 AM Pacific Daylight Time, DWSI at aol.com 
writes:

> Why don't we try to invent 
> beyond traditional Dixieland in our own styles? As long as respect the 
> source, I 
> say, it could be very interesting.
> 
> 

Absolutely Dan:

The very essence of Jazz is free form thinking and improvisational 
experimentation with notes rhythms and tempos, etc., If I want to hear Louis Armstrong I 
will simply put on a CD of Louis and listen, he is gone but certainly not 
forgotten, but I certainly do not need or wish to hear every other trumpet or 
cornet player in the world trying to sound just like Louis or Bix, or Kermit, or 
Wynton or anybody else.

I bought Louis because I like Louis, I bout Ray Anthony because I liked what 
he was playing, I bought Herb Alpert and Arturo Sandoval and Rafael Mendez, 
and Luis Gasca because I liked what they were saying with their horns.  And so 
on and so forth, I would certainly like to think that the folks who buy my CDs 
are doing so because they actually like what we are playing and how we chooses 
to play it.  Not to nit pick it and constantly compare it with The Dirty 
Dozen Brass Band or Olympia Brass Band or any other Band, just because they like 
what we play and want to hear it again when we are not in town.


We all need to find our own voice and express it if we want to be anything 
more than an almost good but not as good as Louis player.  The bottom line folks 
is NOBODY CARES, especially if they are enjoying what you are doing and feel 
they got their money's worth, and like it or not some of them never even heard 
of Louis, now who's fault is that.  Ours.
Cheers,

Tom Wiggins