[Dixielandjazz] ODJB

[john petters]

Steve said

> Why all the flap about the ODJB as being so important to the development
> of jazz?

Why is it so fashionable to knock the ODJB? Yes it was close to ragtime -
yes there was not much in the way of improvisation - but it swung harder
than the Bix records (Wolverines are very lumpy) and other early white non
New Orleans bands. Sbarbaro was a great drummer with a driving beat.

>Why? Because it was not really very jazzy, contained a lot of >hokum and
>had virtually no improvisation. That kind of music is very >stultifying
to play and very boring to most listeners
>
Surley the hokum aspect is the equivalent of you showbiz antics which you
use to sell your band to audiences. Jelly used hokum as did Louis.
If you find the 1936 version of Tiger Rag  boring with LaRocca's wonderful
ride out cornet driven by Sbarbaro's drumming, then you must be missing
something Steve. Listen again!!

I would sooner hear records of the ODJB than many contemporary bands who
have lost touch with the drive and soul of Dixieland and New Orleans music
Cheers
John Petters
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ
www.traditional-jazz.com