[Dixielandjazz] Preservation Hall

[Steve barbone]

EDWIN COLTRIN <boreda at sbcglobal.net> wrote

> About Preservation Band, the last two times in Nawlins, I felt that the only
> reason to hear and see the group was to listen to a few OLD TIMERS play OKOM,
> not to mention the road group. I know that they have a reputation to keep up,
> but the drive that once was, is lacking. Not a complaint,only an observation.
> 
> The fact that they mostly are older than I and can play an instrument is
> overwhelming.
> 
> Just a comment.

Good observation. Most of us on the DJML probably do not care for the
"original" folk music style of Dixieland they play. HOWEVER . . . they are
the most popular and best known New Orleans Jazz Band (more encompassing
term than "Dixieland") on the planet.

If you like their age, Ed, you'd love Barbone Street's age. Since our
regular trumpet guy has been off working steadily at the Showboat Casino in
Atlantic City, we've mostly used an 86 year old trumpet guy. So the ages in
this band version are 68, 69, 71, 75, 76, 86.

So our average age is 74+ and by year end will be 75+. That's AT LEAST 10
years on average, older than the touring Preservation Hall units. A fact
which I always announce on gigs.

A week ago when I was gigging at the Showboat,(we walk about 2 miles a day
on that gig), I noticed a couple of guys my age looking at my "soft" shoes.
After a solo, one of them comes up to me and says: "If you don't mind my
asking, how old are you?" I replied "71" and he said "God bless you, for
being able to do this kind of a gig and have so much fun."

Why "soft shoes". Because we old timers with years of standing, can no long
wear hard shoes without being in pain. So please, fans and audience members,
forgive us our footwear. :-) VBG.

Slainte,
Steve