[Dixielandjazz] Stamina at Gigs

[Steve barbone]

Perhaps there are two kinds of stamina.

When doing a festival, or a one or two nighter, the bands should be
disciplined enough not to get tired and exhibit that bored look. Those that
can't handle a couple of sets should learn how to do so.

On the other hand, there are gigs which do tend to tire musicians out. The
original jazz gigs . . . 6 nights a week . . . from 9 PM to 3:30 AM . . .
perhaps followed by a 5 AM recording session, do make zombies of the
players. What we here from many Dixieland Bands or even Benny Goodman, on
record is a result of that 5 AM session after a 6 hour gig. Doesn't sound so
bad, does it? 

There is no one who played these kinds of gigs, that did not get tired, at
least "Once In A While". Some on the list have done these kinds of gigs and
become "jazz zombies" for a time. Personally, one summer in the 1950's, I
played 7 days a week for a steady 12 weeks. Damn hard to keep smiling every
day through a stretch like that. Last year I did 10 days in a row at the
Showboat which is HIGH SPEED, LOUD for 4 hours, plus a 4 hour round trip
commute. Hard to be on top of you game every day during a stretch like that,
especially at 71 years of age. But it is still fun.

Similar gigs and gigs schedules still exist today that parallel the above in
playing time, intensity, double or triples in a day etc.

So if a professional jazz musician is sometimes a little tired, or looks
disheveled, please cut him/her a break. It might be the result of 3 four
hour gigs today, or 7 days in a row of blowing one's brains out in a high
energy band, for 6 hours a night.

On the other hand, if it is a casual gig or festival weekend, followed by
days of inactivity . . . damn it, at least look like you want to be there.

Cheers,
Steve