[Dixielandjazz] Dr Jazz key.

[Norrie Thomson]

Brian

King Oliver's Dixie Syncopators recorded 'Dr Jazz' on April 27, 1927.
Perhaps he was inspired by Morton's recording!

Norrie

Norrie Thomson
Edinburgh
Scotland
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brian Towers" <briantowers at msn.com>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 7:25 PM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Dr Jazz key.


Butch makes a great point - Jelly Roll Morton played this in the key of Db
with his Red Hot Peppers.   This is significent because it is the definitive
version of the tune - in other words, had Morton not recorded his memorable
version, nobody would be playing "Dr Jazz".  Nobody would  have heard of it!
The composer  himself "King Joe Oliver" did not record this, to my knowledge
or if he did, it did not make the impression of Jelly Roll Morton's smash
hit.

Nevertheless (what a useful word!)  I play Dr Jazz in Eb, like most other
bands.  A lot of us do not enjoy playing in Db - it is not a sweet key for
trombonists!   Also Eb is a great key for singing, for many of us.

I tried playing "Love Songs of the Nile" in Db for ages  (as per the
definitive recording) but quickly switched it to "C" when our trumpet player
left the band and I had to lead the melody on trombone!

Nice key to listen to but for me as a trombonist, not a comfortable one to
play in.

Cheers,
Brian Towers
Hot Five Jazzmakers,
Toronto

>I have missed some of the discussion, but for whatever it's worth,
>Morton's
>Red Hot Peppers recording is in D-flat.  I don't mean to suggest that >this
a
>correct key, simply that this one recording is in this key.
>In my experience, most bands play it in E-flat.
>Butch Thompson
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