[Dixielandjazz] Big Bands

[Charlie Hull]

Hi, Beth et al

You pushed my button with your comment about the new 'big bands'.  My gripe 
is new arrange of the good old arrangements.

The writers include enough of the pattern and gist of the classic 
arrangements (Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Louis Prima, etc.) that you can 
recognized what it was, but the playing and sound treatment is 
heartbreaking.  Sustained max-level guitar bass instead of bass viol. 
Klutzy solos by players who have no concept of swing.  And worst of all, 
mastering using compression that raises ALL the sound to the highest level 
that won't burn holes in the CD.  I haven't looked lately; Is 'dynamics' 
still in the dictionary?

I now carry Kleenex at all times in case I'm trapped into hearing one of 
these 'updated' versions of the really great big band arrangements.

Thanks for the ear time.

Charlie Hull