[Dixielandjazz] Skid Da de Dat

[Jim Beebe]

From: "Ernie Landes" <elandes at cablespeed.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2003 5:27 PM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz]  Skid Da de Dat


> Anyone know the origin or meaning of this tune name?  Do the second and
> fourth words rhyme with 'cat' or 'cot'?  Did Satch write it?

Don't know.  Just skat stuff .  Lucille Armstrong (Louis's first wife, a
pianist) wrote it, it is believed.  What a gem.  This is a good example of a
non-blues blues tune.  It doesn't follow the usual blues pattern and has a
simple and very effective layout of it's own.  This is essentially a
trumpet-cornet feature and        only those who have a deep blues inner
life in their playing can bring this tune off.

There is a fine new rendition of this tune by Jon-Erik Kellso with the
Independence Hall Jazz Band on the Stomp Off label.  I have to interject
myself here and say that this was my last recording and I am very satisfied
with the way that "Skit Dat De Dat" came off.  An old friend of mine,
trombonist Doug Finke resurfaced about 8 years back after having been out of
music for many years.  He started playing again and was soon as good as
ever.  In short order he put  together a terrific group, the IHJB.  I had re
tired from playing because of health problems but Doug persuaded me to do
this recording with them and worked it out to have the band in Chicago for
this.

I have always loved Armstrong's recording of "Skit Dat De Dat."  Jon-Erik
Kellso was on the IHJB and I suggested this tune as I felt that he was one
of the few around who could bring off this tune. And that he did,
wonderfully.  Bob Scobey also brought off this tune, brilliantly in 1959 and
I was also fortunate to have been on that recording.

I apologize for yacking about myself but this discussion on a non-blues
blues tune is timely, I think.

Jim Beebe