[Dixielandjazz] ODJB

[Adaywayne at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/17/03 2:22:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
TCASHWIGG at aol.com writes:
Seldom do we disagree, Steve, but to my ears, I hear differences in Black 
American Jazz and Blues players all the time and can usuallly tell a Black 
Band 
when I hear it on the radio without knowing who they are or seeing them.   I 
guess it comes from working with them for so many years and being able to 
hear 
and feel their musical accents.

I have to believe you , of course, but I am somewhat astonished!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
   I have in the past been chastised for bringing Black American Blues 
and Jazz singers to festivals with White players or even using European bands 
to back them.

Chastised by whom, Tom? I find it hard to believe that kind of attitude 
amongst any British jazz fans I know now or 50 years ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But I hear a difference int he music almost immediately, unless the Black 
musicians are trying desperately to sound White, as many of them have done 
thinking it was necessary to get employment

I dare say you can take any number of Black Musicians and have them play with 
a white band and they will not sound Black, but take those same musicians and 
put them into an all Black Band hired to play for a Black audience and you 
will hear a totally different sound.

Many Black American musicians have been re-trained to play music the way they 
think White folks want it to sound, but what they missed in most cases is 
that the White folks really want to hear it played the way they play it for 
Black 
audiences.  At least in my experiences and opinion.

Tom, tell me you are kidding! How on earth does a black musician play like a 
white one? What on earth is the difference? Do you have any examples of what 
you have just asserted?

Arn (scratching head)