[Dixielandjazz] Re: Marsalis was Another NY TIMES Jazz Review

[TCASHWIGG at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/31/04 12:09:03 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
jazz_trombone at axint.net writes:

> 
> He actually believes first and foremost that it parallels the "black" 
> experience. Jazz was not really universally considered "American" until 
> more and more white musicians became involved. Those are Wynton's words 
> not mine that he made on a documentary.
> 

No question about it.  And if Wynton said it why do we keep bringing up the B&
W issue on this list every time Wynton gets some Press or media coverage The 
old Jazz Jealousy button gets pushed once more.  It would probably not make 
any difference if he was Jewish, or Polish, or German, or ALL French he would be 
despised and ridiculed by someone who could not or would not go out and do 
what he has done.  He must be a musical sell out because he went commercial and 
sold out the music and made a fortune instead of staying in New Orleans 
playing till his teeth fall out at Preservation Hall.

It is simply unthinkable that he would dare to mention or play New Orleans 
Traditional Jazz in Lincoln Center he is unqualified, at least in the eyes of 
some.  Perhaps he should be replaced by Kenny G.  who would certainly open up 
the avenues for Traditional Jazz by releasing a new CD entitled "Kenny & Louis 
together Again".  :))

At that time Black Americans were less than 10% of the American Population, 
and had little or no radio airplay of their RACE music.  So naturally when 
White musicians in far greater numbers and establishments in which to play it 
embraced it, it took off as a popular music genre and has grown and branched out 
into many off shoot styles ever since.

So I suppose one could surmise that if it had not been for a few brave White 
musicians going into the Black juke joints and getting exposed to the sounds 
we might never have seen Jazz grow.

The same could be said for Country and Western and Rock and Roll, thanks to 
guys like Hank Williams Sr., Elvis Presley who dared to cross the color lines 
and listen and embrace the new rhythms and sounds which came from the Black 
neighborhoods.

This information is readily available in History books why is it so hard to 
understand and believe by so many Dixieland Musicians and aficionados, it 
happened that way, it's time to accept the facts and get over it.  ODJB & Bix 
Simply DID NOT INVENT JAZZ and no matter how much some want it to be true it ain't. 
 But most important is Who really Cares, just be grateful that somebody did 
and others chose to play it and expand it and make it popular to the masses.  
If more of us did the same we might not have so much time to bitch and moan 
about nothing much happening with OKOM.

The Union sold the old Big Yellow Gig Bus years ago, so it ain't gonna stop 
out in front of your house to take you to a gig.  I would love to click on my 
mail just once and read a 100 posts announcing that 100 bands got a Monday 
night gig, then a Tuesday Night gig and Wednesday and so on.  Go out and make 
them, but you have to sell the place on the idea that if you work together you can 
benefit their business and justify the money you want to make for doing it.  
Don't just go get permission to play, once you have it go get a newspaper 
article about it, get your band name posted on every entertainment listing website 
within at least fifty miles of where you live.  Blues bands do this and many 
are playing every night of the week promoting themselves and getting bigger 
and better bookings and higher and higher cover charges to hear them.

Whether we like it or not folks Running a band and playing music is Work and 
a Hard Job, more of us should simply not be so lazy and go make it happen and 
enjoy the success that comes with it.

We have a crisis of leadership in this country.  Where are the Washingtons, 
the Jeffersons, and the Jacksons?  I'll tell you where they are--they are 
playing professional football and basketball and Rhythm & Blues Music.    :))   

Cheers,

Tom Wiggins