[Dixielandjazz] Washboard spam

[Bill Gunter]

Listmates,

I don't know who wrote the following (TBW504 at aol.com, would you please 
identify yourself):

>Washboards are rapidly assuming the proportion of spam. Enough!

The washboard IS a legitimate OKOM [dixieland, etc.] instrument and has just 
as much legitimacy as a topic for discussion as does the trumpet (or any 
other instrument in the band).

I don't mind being defensive about the merits of the washboard and I find it 
a little offensive to be told to shut up and not discuss elements of my 
musical instrument - the washboard. By the way, I also play banjo, guitar 
and keyboard. I consider myself a trad jazz musician and not someone who is 
trying to intrude into an area where I'm not welcome.

Lu Watters and Turk Murphy both played washboards and they are heroes in the 
pantheon of OKOM musicians. To compare this facet of these musical giants to 
Spam is a great insult.

Sheesh!  Next thing you know folks will want to expunge "Coney Island 
Washboard" and "Washboard Wiggles" from the musical literature.  Should we 
say "Enough!" to festivals that present washboard concerts (Sacramento Jazz 
Jubilee, Monterey Jazz Festival, Connecticutt Jazz Festival, Logan, OH 
International Washboard Festival)?

I plan to continue to post contributions to the DJML on aspects of trad jazz 
and the place of all instruments INCLUDING THE WASHBOARD (!) and I do not 
accept your admonition to cease and desist.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "I love the washboard" Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com

ps, Other than that, I agree with everything you say.  :-)

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