[Dixielandjazz] Playing Songs Mad Famous By Others

[Harold Smith]

My good Email buddy, Jack Wiard (who is a very wonderful clarinetist in Austtralia) wrote that little anecdote about the request for Bunny's "Can't Get Started".

That's a profound little story.  One of the great misunderstandings among trad jazz fans is that purity demands we simulate that original performance, and that deviations and individuality are not acceptable.  Well, that ain't jazz.  If people want to hear the original performance, please buy the recording.  Otherwise, please learn to respect and at least listen to someone's personal approach to a particular tune.   Probably won't be as good as the original conception, but it's  honest and creative.

Regards,
Harold Smith