[Dixielandjazz] realistic future for Dixieland jazz

[Bill Gunter]

Hi Charlie (and all),

You replied to my position on "whither dixieland" by saying:

>I apologize if I overstated your negativism, Bill. Even looking at your
>message below, though, I think it's a much darker view than is reasonable
>to hold.

Well, I guess we'll just have to hold differing views. It's hard to KNOW 
what's "reasonable."

You know, this whole thread began with the question "Why is dixieland 
diminishing." The individual who posed the question offered 10 reasons why 
this might be so. But the starting premise was that dixieland IS indeed 
diminishing.

This seems to be virtually self evident.

It is also self evident that the audience is diminishing.

Some say that leaves us in the position of having to take some sort of 
positive action to revive this diminishing art form.

In effect we're trying to make something more popular than it is. If mankind 
knew how to do that without spending REALLY BIG BUCKS we will have solved 
the universal problem of having to put up with the fickle nature of the 
human animal.

-----> analogy

The horse and buggy has been replaced by newer and more technical modes of 
transportation from the Model T to the SST.

The horse and buggy is no longer a popular mode of transportation.

You don't know anybody who has a horse and buggy in their garage/barn 
(unless you're Amish).

The horse and buggy will never regain its former appeal.

There is no way you can increase the public's interest in the horse and 
buggy.

But (This is "but" number 1) There are still people who love the horse and 
buggy. You find them transporting tourists around Central Park in New York - 
They're in Old Sacramento along the waterfront newly renovated as a tourist 
attraction. They're at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. They are anywhere 
that people go for touristy type relaxation and adventure such as theme 
parks.  There will always be a place for the individual who loves horses and 
buggies and who is willing to put time and effort into the care and feeding 
of his equipment.

But (this is "but" number 2) there is no way anyone can INCREASE the public 
desire to tool around in a horse and buggy!

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "Get Real" Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com

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