[Dixielandjazz] Jazz in The USA - Was Jazz In The UK

[David Richoux]

OK,

so here is something I don't understand (about this list and/or what we 
are all trying to do about the state of OKOM Jazz in the USA and the 
rest of the world.)

The musicians and groups I listed before, and one more I forgot to 
mention - the Asylum Street Spankers ( 
http://www.asylumstreetspankers.com ) have been working, recording and 
supporting all sorts of traditional jazz music for the last 10 to 15 
years. They are mostly under 50 years old, probably grew listening to a 
combination of rock, swing, jazz and other pop music, have a wide 
audience of dancers and listeners, have sold thousands of recordings, 
play in all kinds of clubs and music halls (where they charge "real" 
admission prices,) are snappy dressers ( I don't see to many Mowhawk 
haircuts or safety-pins around,) are totally respectful (and dedicated 
to) the traditions, culture and music of the 20s thru early 50s...

So why do we treat them like they have some sort of disease? Lack of 
Banjos and Tubas?  Too Loud? Too many matching suits?

They have access our prime future audience. If we really expect to 
continue the traditions of OKOM into the 21st Century we need to work 
with them, not against (or ignore) them.

Visit their websites, listen to (or buy) their recordings - even see 
them if the come to your town. If you are someone putting together a 
festival, check into the possibility of booking one of these "new" 
groups - you might be surprised by the results (or it may be a total 
flop if you don't expand your market/advertising.)  Just because it was 
a fad a few years ago does not mean they are not totally skilled and 
enjoyable musicians. I was surprised to see so many "Trad Police" at a 
sold-out performance by the Asylum Street Spankers a few years ago in 
San Jose - they unbuttoned their stiff collars and had a great time!

(don't shoot me ;-)

Dave Richoux

On Sep 28, 2004, at 1:01 PM, David W. Littlefield wrote:

> At 10:46 AM 9/28/2004 -0700, David Richoux wrote:
>> I would add the "Retro-Swing" bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
>> http://www.bbvd.com/ and
>> Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Likkers  
>> http://www.lavaysmith.com/
>> that survived the 1990's fad and have proven themselves with large
>> crowds of all ages, many hit recordings and very favorable press
>> reviews. While this is not  exactly "Trad Jazz," the bands have
>> captured many elements of the 20's, 30's and 40's jazz/swing eras,
>> along with rock & roll, Rockabilly, R&B or even Burlesque Show bands
>> and made something new out of them.
>>
>> others in this category that I like (some more than others) :
>> Cherry Poppin' Daddies   http://www.daddies.com/
>
> The Last I knew this band had one CD of "Swing"--it was a punk band or
> something like that; the band liked classic swing, wrote their own 
> stuff
> and included a couple of swing tracks on their albums, then compiled 
> those
> tracks on one swing CD. Really PO'd the swing dancers, who went to 
> their
> shows erroneously. The trumpet player clearly has listened to a l-o-t 
> of
> classic swing...
>
>> Brian Setzer  http://www.briansetzer.com/
>
> Rockabilly guitar with 12-piece big band.
>
>> New Morty Show  http://www.newmortyshow.com/
>> Squirrel Nut Zippers   http://www.snzippers.com/
>
> SNZ played 2-beat sort of 20s novelty style, wrote their own stuff. 
> Their
> 3rd album, "Perennial favorites" was very much in a classic okom mode, 
> and
> very well done. The 4th CD was totally different--bad 
> contemporary-beat BS.
>  
>> New Morty Show  http://www.newmortyshow.com/
>> Squirrel Nut Zippers   http://www.snzippers.com/
>> Swing Session (aka Stumpy Jones)  http://www.stompyjones.com/
>> Royal Crown Review   http://www.rcr.com/
>> Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums  http://www.luckylounge.com/
>> Lily Wilde  http://www.lilywilde.com/
>> Indigo Swing
>> Matt Darriau's  "Ballin' the Jack"