[Dixielandjazz] Dixieland - Future, Past - Who Cares? Just play...

[Charlie Hull]

Rocky

Your comments remind me of the "Swing Renaissance" that started a few years
ago when the youngsters discovered swing.  All us old codgers were drooling
at the thought the public clamoring for big band swing, and of getting to
play OKOM for money instead of just a Thursday night practice band.

The 'swing' bands that got the tv appearances, commercials, and big pay gigs
were the kids who gave their band a crazy name, dressed in zoot suits and
put on a high-energy show (entertained).  Swinging? Not very.  Usually
overplaying some Louis Prima riff tune with no semblance of true swing.

Those of us who aren't inclined to be showpersons and put some thought and
effort into entertaining can still have our Thursday nite practice bands, or
play a pizza parlor for twenty bucks apiece, a pizza (one per band), and a
discount on our beer.

Several others have said it better;  Find some others who enjoy playing what
you enjoy playing, get together and do it, but don't expect the gigs to come
rolling in unless you put on an entertaining show.  It don't have to be a
scripted routine, but if it the performance lacks energy and humor it won't
grab 'em, keep their attention and make them want more.  If your group plays
well, is witty, and is obviously having a hell of a good time making their
music, you're half-way there.

Charlie Hull