[Dixielandjazz] Re: Old Recordings and Styles vs. New

[OArkas at aol.com]

Hi:
Interesting subject!   Traditional ("dixieland") jazz is like folklore, but 
it is/was also a form of "pop" music.   There's a difference, but there are 
also cross overs.   There can be lots of discussion on that.   But... to the 
extent that it's a form of folklore, then the folklorists will emphasize the 
concept of "context."   Who (when) is/was the audience, and when/where/how was the 
folklore performed.   Folklorists might say that without the folk audience, 
the folklore (in this case the trad jazz) can't really exist in that form any 
more.   In other words, different time, different place, different audience, and 
the music doesn't exist in a valid context anymore.   So those who say they 
don't listen to the old recordings for whatever reason, have a valid point.
However!   On the other hand:   One definition of a "classic" (ie Mona Lisa, 
classic music etc.) is that the "art" speaks across generations, time periods, 
cultures, and geographical boundaries.   Our music seems to do that also.   
So, if this music and these songs are classic and universal, then they can't be 
thrown out or ignored, and they are important and can be played in the old 
styles and ways!
So, now that I've said all this, I guess my opinion is that both ideas are 
valid.   It all depends on what the individual likes and how the music talks to 
him/her.   Confusing maybe, but that's what this thread got me thinking about 
out.   
I always enjoy our dixieland jazz list.
Best regards,
John Pappas