[Dixielandjazz] The Fourth Instrument

[Steve barbone]

Cebuisle2 at aol.com asked:

> Ok list-
> 
> Give me your professional opinion (s)
> 
> You are asked to play Dixieland at a greeting for a senator returning from
> D.C to greet the faithful. Location will be the tarmac at the airport, hotter
> than Hades. You are to start as soon as he comes out the airplane door and
> waves. (pre 9/11 of course-you would be lucky to get the horns past security
> in the terminal bldg now!)
 
> There is no electricity, so you won't be using a keyboard (unless you have  a
> battery powered one-which we didn't) Nor will you have an amplified bass or
> guitar for same reason-
 
> Now-the problem and question-The party treasury is kinda low, so only four
> musicians can be paid-not even able to skim a few bucks from each of the four
> to  include a fifth (musician, that is) Assuming that the cornet, clarinet and
> trombone are a given- WHAT is your fourth choice?? Tuba or bass? Banjo?
> Drums?  acoustic guitar? Significant other? This COULD happen to you some day.
> 
> This actually happened. to me. The worst part was having to play "Happy  Days
> Are Here Again" over and over,. It was the only tune they wanted.  Aaargh!
 
> tradjazz
 
> Yeah ,I know. We were desperate to  play!

Given the conditions imposed, I would have chosen banjo. The trombone can
supply the bottom during parts of the songs.

Other than that, I'm with Charlie Hooks. Two horns (Trombone/Clarinet) and
two rhythm (banjo/Tuba)

Even though I currently play 16 days a month in "marching band" format at
the Showboat Casino with TBONE, CLT, TPT, DRUMS and TUBA. (No chord
instrument) One does get used to it

Cheers,
Steve Barbone