[Dixielandjazz] programming

[Jim Kashishian]

Basically you start with something light like a march then put in your
heaviest tune and as the concert progresses lighten up ending up with a
march or other snappy tune.  That's only good programming.....wrote Larry.

I normally have the first three tunes thought up in my head before I go on
the stand.  Surprisingly, I normally sort those out mentally while still at
home, in a quiet moment (read, in the toilet!).  Sometimes we start with a
"medium, light swing", particularly if we've been off for a few nights...to
give the chops some warming up.  Follow that with a light swing Dixie tune
like Jazz Me Blues.  Then a romper...

Othertimes, we dive right into a fast one, Margie & Angry being a couple of
favorites of mine for starting out.  Then, we go medium, and then to the
romper.....

There is normally a slow build to the last song, leading up in tempos &
strength of tune from light to romping in the last 3 or 4 songs.  The
"climax" bit!  

After the first three (mentally programmed), I call the shots as I see
(audience) feel (band) them.

All very important.  

Larry continues....
Many musicians say, and I've actually heard this, that the audience is "just
stupid"....

Actually, you do come across a "stupid audience".  We had one last nite.
Band is cooking, and the audience is "yeah, so what"!  There doesn't seem to
be any rhyme or reason to it.  Just happens.  Tonight, at the same club, is
likely (or not) to be jumping.  It's a magical thing that has no reason as
far as I can see. 

I've also seen the times that the band is "yeah, ok...but"  (this happens to
any band, only most won't admit to it!), and the audience is hot, hot.  Go
figure!  Now, when the band & the audience decides to do it all at
once...that's when it's fun!    :>

Jim