[Dixielandjazz] Playing Songs Mad Famous By Others

[Stan Brager]

Harold;

Among the many trad jazz fans I know few demand a replication of the
original recording. Many, on the other hand, use the original recording as a
basis to compare as well as marvel at what jazz is - original conceptions of
the same music by different musicians.

My wife, who doesn't have the interest in jazz which I do, sometimes
complains when I play several different versions of the same tune. Her view
is of the tune - mine is of the performance. Most people share my wife's
viewpoint and there are many bands who's goal is to emulate the original
recorded performances. As we all know, many bands drifted away from their
recorded performances when playing in public. There's the legend that Artie
Shaw walked off the bandstand at a dance date when someone complained to him
that the band didn't sound like the recording.

I, obviously, agree with you, Harold. I'm also certain that most if not all
DJMLers also agree.

Stan
Stan Brager
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Harold Smith" <s3856lpa at webtv.net>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:32 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Playing Songs Mad Famous By Others


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