[Dixielandjazz] washboard position

[Bill Gunter]

Listmates,

Regarding Kash's aversion of washboards, I can completely understand his 
reaction if his only exposure to the washboard is a couple of clowns. I have 
similar responses when people approach the bandstand and ask to play spoons 
or bones.  It's easy to form stereotypes from such exposures.

But let me point to such musicians as Bob Raggio (RIP - he died just last 
week) long time washboardist with Kash's old band (South Frisco), Ralf 
Reynolds - leader of the Reynolds Brothers Rhythm Rascals and washboardist 
extraordinaire, Stephen Joseph (passed away a few years back) who played 
with a number of bands including France's "Hot Antic Jazz Band" and who was 
probably the most tasteful washboard player I've ever heard.

I know, I know . . . "Tasteful Washboard Player" does sound an awful lot 
like an oxymoron but, there it is. Stephen was a marvel and we miss him.

All of these musicians play simple hardware store type washboard rigs. But 
then there are other players such as the centerpiece of the Paris Washboard 
band where the "percussionist" plays an elaborate setup of cymbals and other 
percussive devices around a central piece of corrugated metal (the 
'washboard' part) and he is a wonder to behold.  Personally, his setup is 
too complicated for me but the band is extremely popular and they play a lot 
of festivals. I enjoy the band but I'd hate to haul all that stuff around . 
. . it's as complicated as a full drum kit!

Finally, let me state that the problem of unwanted sit-ins is not restricted 
to washboards. You can find the arrogant and obnoxious bore on any 
instrument (trumpets, T-bones, reeds, banjos, accordians, harmonicas, etc.

I call upon Jim to re-assess his evaluation . . . ("I've got two "washboard" 
stories which have turned me off the instrument . . .  entirely.").

Surely you can't be serious when considering an instrument with the musical 
and emotional depth of the washboard!!

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "Thimbles" Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com

_________________________________________________________________
Expand your wine savvy — and get some great new recipes — at MSN Wine. 
http://wine.msn.com