[Dixielandjazz] Sop Sax Vibrato + Loud Music

[Steve barbone]

on 6/11/05 2:29 PM, john petters at johnpetters at tiscali.co.uk wrote:

> Yes but Steve, did the Condon band have a big PA and mikes on every
> instrument and a pickup on the bass?

Your point is well taken John. They played acoustically
 
> There is a difference between the power of a band and the volume of a band.
> You can play powerfully and dynamically without amping up. I bet Wettling
> would not have a mike near his drums. The secret is to make a big sound. I
> saw Yank Lawson, Bob Haggart and co in a big concert hall in Croydon - 1
> mike. I could hear the rhythm guitar!
> Kenny Davern switched all the mikes off when I played with him, and Wild
> Bill at 83 didn't need one. PA is used by bands because it it there. It
> discourages projection and dynamics.

I agree here again. While our band likes to play loud, we also like to play
with as little amplification as possible. Because of stylistic
considerations, we do use an amplified guitar and sometimes a bass amp,
however the rest of us play without amping up except in very large venues.

In fact, as a sideman at the Showboat Casino the other day, playing w/o any
mikes at all, a new trombone player (Pro from NYC - Jazz and Showbands -
Backs Liza Minelli etc) said to me: "You are the second loudest clarinet
player I ever heard." (Davern being his loudest)

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

Who has to play loudly because my band mates, Paul Grant (trumpet) and Glenn
Dodson (trombone) are also the loudest around. (except on Ballads). Mikes?,
Mikes? We don't need no stinkin Mikes.

Who also, as a kid, played twice with Yank Lawson. That man could blast
walls down. Almost wore earplugs the second time. (musicians "in" comment)